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Nick Cass

Uppermill
I am an artist and academic with a particular interest in the relationship between heritage, museum collections and artistic practice.

My research is a critical examination of the ways in which artists engage with museum collections and heritage sites. I ask questions about what impact creative practice can have on the opportunities and challenges that museums and galleries face today.

As an artist and printmaker, I have been fascinated for a long time by ornamental design prints of the sixteenth and seventeenth century intended as design material for artists and sculptors. I am developing new work in response to these sources as part of my wider research into how creative practice engages with historic collections.

Lived Experience

My main interests today have developed from being an artist and also working in museums, galleries and heritage sites. While working for Leeds Museums and the Royal Armouries in education related roles, I began to understand more clearly the connections that existed between artists and historic sites and collections.

 Inspired by this developing interest I embarked on a PhD (2010-2015) to examine this relationship more closely. My thesis focused on the Contemporary Arts Programme at the Bronte Parsonage Museum and I have continued to research and write about this area of practice.

 

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