Introducing the V&A Research Institute

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The V&A was the first national museum to establish a dedicated Research Department, and research continues to be a core activity of the Museum today. The V&A Research Institute plays a leading role in fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations and object-led, museum-based learning, across the fields of art, design and performance.

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Research projects

Research is deeply embedded in the V&A’s institutional culture, as we strive to promote knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the designed world.

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Current project

PERCEIVE: Perceptive Enhanced Realities of Coloured collEctions through AI and Virtual Experiences

PERCEIVE works on new ways to perceive, preserve, curate, exhibit, understand and access fragile, coloured cultural heritage. Using five scenarios, we focus on 'care', 'accessibility' and 'authenticity', promoting and expanding access to cultural heritage and its wider integration in society.

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Current project

Early Career Fellowships in Cultural and Heritage Institutions

Generously supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), eight early career research fellows are undertaking research projects, each hosted by an Independent Research Organisation (IRO). The V&A is acting as the Cohort Coordination and Development team for this fellowship scheme.

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Current project

Hubs, Nodes and Networks: a new history of British digital art

This project funded by the Paul Mellon Centre, explores the relationships between digital art practitioners, communities, and institutions in Britain from 1960s to the present. It considers the V&A’s Computer Arts Society archive and collection as a central resource.

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Opportunities

Find out how you can get involved with the V&A Research Institute — the first of its kind in the UK.

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