Applications have opened for a unique opportunity to research the audience development strategies of a national craft support agency. This ESRC-funded CASE studentship with the University of St Andrews’ Institute for Capitalising on Creativity (ICC) will begin October 2009. Applications must be submitted by June 30.

This research project will analyse the craft agency’s development strategies, marketing campaigns and tools, and suggest mechanisms to improve future activities.  This will involve:
• audience research and an evaluation of the agency’s development campaigns to grow the market for crafts both in Scotland and internationally
• examining buyer behaviour and consumer profiles for craft products, leading to knowledge which will inform the re-development of the agency website
• identifying positive and tangible benefits, promoting continuous knowledge exchange between partners
• engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including specialist and non specialist craft organizations
• applying appropriate theoretical perspectives from related fields
• sourcing and critiquing relevant literature
• interpreting research results for non-specialist and scholarly audiences

CASE students work closely with sponsoring organizations, providing industry-relevant research and enhancing social science research in the Creative Industries generally. Project supervision is provided by ICC academics and workplace mentors. Fees and maintenance are provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) over 3 years, leading to a PhD awarded by University of St Andrews.

The successful candidate must have a Masters degree and first degree in craft/visual arts, management, creative industries, cultural studies or other relevant area. Applicants must be UK nationals or EU nationals who have resided in the UK throughout the preceding 3 years.

For further details, please email Mindy Grewar, Executive Administrator, Institute for Capitalising on Creativity, coca@st-andrews.ac.uk, or ring 44 (0)1334 462808.