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"All this useless beauty" : the hidden value of research in art and design

This chapter arose from research that sought to identify how art and design research contributes to science, innovation and social policy: areas that are not normally associated with the activities of Art Schools. The research stemmed from an essay commissioned by the AHRC. The AHRC supported two research administrators to undertake the field research. Press undertook a survey and review of web-based information on research in art and design among the top 20 institutions rated in the RAE. This was followed up by targeted emails and telephone interviews to research directors and others to seek clarification on the key projects identified. The Chapter built upon the essay and explores art and design’s contribution to other specialist disciplines, to industrial competitiveness and innovation, and to social policy. In exploring this value, the chapter details research contributions in health services, marine archaeology, defining advanced manufacturing processes and the role of artists in scientific research. It advances the case that a demonstrable contribution of art and design research can be seen in crime prevention, prosthetic technologies and urban planning.

The volume included essays from Mary Beard, Onora O’Neill, Mike Parker Pearson, Christopher Breward and others.The book was launched at the Tate Modern in London in January 2011 and received a number of positive reviews including Times Higher Education (24/3/2011). The book was also referred to in a Parliamentary speech by The Rt Hon David Willetts MP (1/2/2011) with reference to the relaunch of the enlarged British Academy and the value of the Arts and Humanities.