About Me.
I am a researcher, writer, lecturer, and advisor interested in understanding how decentralised and emerging technologies might shape, and be shaped by cultural and creative practices. Working in partnership with the National Museums Liverpool and the University of Manchester, my PhD research explored the application of blockchain (specifically Non-Fungible Tokens, (NFTs)) in museum audience engagement practices and considered how this technology supports and/or disrupts concepts such as digital ownership, guardianship, authority, authenticity, and value. I use my experience and knowledge from this work to provide both formal and informal support and guidance to cultural organisations exploring NFTs and Web3.
Research
I am currently a post-doctoral research associate at Decentralised Digital Economy (DECaDE) research centre based in Design Informatics. At DECaDE, we explore the socio technical underpinnings of emerging technologies such as blockchains and artificial intelligence, considering their potential impact on the cultural and creative industries (CCIs).
In addition, I am a associate research fellow at Art & Antiquities, Blockchain Consortium and an affiliate at IASH, University of Edinburgh.
My current research interests on focus on ownership, participation, and digital materiality, I employ qualitative methods such as creative workshops, participatory design, and digital ethnography to critically explore emerging technologies in the cultural and creative industries. Through this work, I am interested in understanding the potential impact and challenges of decentralisation for the cultural and creative industries.
Teaching
I have previously lectured at University of Manchester where I taught modules including Arts Management, Business Strategies for the Arts, and Digital Heritage. Up until December 2023, I was a consultant lecturer at Sotheby's Institute of Art, London where I set up and led the Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies elective for the MA Art and Business course, as well as led the Digital Futures in Contemporary Art elective Study Abroad programme.
Writer
I have previously written for peer-review publications such as Museum & Society, and media such as Right Click Save, Flash Art, Art Quarterly, Artnome, and Cultural Practices.
Consultancy
I offer academic consultancy specialising in creative workshops to support digital innovation, emerging technologies and decentralisation practices for cultural and creative industries. I have also previously supported evaluation projects with Manchester Histories Festival, and provided internal research reports for the British Library and for tech start-ups.
