Knowledge Exchange Projects
Every year the Centre funds and supports Knowledge Exchange projects between postgraduate researchers (PGRs) of colour and Centre partners that focus on racial justice.
Racial Justice
Knowledge Exchange describes collaborative work between university researchers and external partners which is of mutual benefit and produces new knowledge that contributes to positive social, cultural, and/or economic change.
These projects enable PGRs to learn from people who have a wealth of experience in racial justice work. Partners also benefit by engaging with the distinct expertise, experiences and skillsets possessed by PGRs. Ultimately collaboration between the two generates new knowledge that furthers the cause of racial and social justice.
We encourage an expansive interpretation of what constitutes a “racial justice project”. For example, such work does not have to focus on interrogating oppression or delivering outputs. It can instead involve imagining better futures, or exploring forms of empowerment, community and relationship building. Projects may be exploratory, interdisciplinary and/or consider intersecting systems of power. They may also examine the processes, practices and positionalities which typically inform university partnership work.
Our ultimate goal is to dismantle intersecting systems of power and replace them with something nurturing, sustainable and liberating for the most marginalised of communities.
Key Information
£60,000 funding available per academic year
A maximum of £10,000 available per project
Each project takes between 4 to 6 months
Postgraduate researchers are paid for their time
Training and support provided throughout the process
Previous Projects
TOFU: exploring racial justice through food and creative practice
TOFU is a research & development project led by PGR student Ke Li in collaboration with activists Lora Krasteva (performance maker) and Mikhail Lim (chef).
From shadows to spotlight: exploring colourism in Sheffield through the theatre
In 2024, Julius Obende, the resident artist at Utopia Theatre, initiated a project called “IJAKADI,” meaning “wrestling” in Yoruba. This project was inspired from Julius’s experiences in Nigeria, where his mother advised him that wearing black would make his dark skin less visible. Julius aimed to combine his and others’ personal experience to develop a theatrical piece that incorporates movement, dance, text, music, and sound to express a story against colourism.
The Lit Collective Creative Writing Programme
How does food bring people together? Why don’t we go to the Peaks more, when it is just on our doorstep? Is it because we are not interested in walking or nature, or is it because we have been made to feel unwelcome there? What does it mean that some people’s claim to a home can be taken away by others, as in the case of Shamima Begum? We wanted to think about these questions and more, while also encouraging the participants to be creative. The workshops resulted in producing a short video and anthology of poems, pictures, and general imaginings.
Transracial Adoption in the UK: Education, Voice, and Racial Justice
There is a pressing need for resources that support adoptees of colour. Current adoption narratives often centre on adoptive parents, promoting white saviourism and neoliberal agendas. This focus undermines the needs and identities of adoptees and often ignores the trauma associated with adoption which is particularly significant for transracial adoptees, who frequently experience cultural dissonance and a lack of identity.
FRINGE COP28 Project: Bridging Art, Science, and Climate Justice
The FRINGE COP28 project, a collaborative effort led by Rosa Cisneros, and PhD students Yousef Saddat and Yang-Sarah B Mohama, was a unique endeavor that addressed the elitist and oppressive structures of COP28. It posed the question, ‘What Can We Do In Sheffield?’ and invited responses through a series of public events, including workshops, panel discussions, and art exhibitions. Artists, researchers, schools, and community members all contributed their unique perspectives on local climate justice efforts. The project also saw the production of a short film and a children’s book, showcasing the diverse talents and interests of the team.
Anti-Racist Partnership Agreement
University processes play a significant role in reinforcing hierarchical power dynamics in partnership work. Creating more equitable processes is therefore a key priority for the
Decolonising Education
SHARE is a group of Sheffielders working together to advance anti-racist education in our city. They connect local staff working in education, governors, parents, unions, students, educationalists and anti-racists. In partnership, they share resources and good practice, and support others in areas such as curriculum development, training provision and whole-school development.
Emergent Reporting in Africa
In 2022 AVP collaborated with 2 postgraduate researchers, Teté Mausse and Stephen Aderinto, on their Emergent Report in Africa Project. This project sought to produce quality television, radio and articles which centred African narratives in stories that had previously received little coverage.
Hong Kong Future Diaspora Part II
‘HK Future Diaspora Part 2’ is the second cycle of ‘Performing Identities’, an ambitious project led by artist and filmmaker Eelyn Lee that explores what it means to be East and Southeast Asian [ESEA] in the UK today through collaboration with other ESEA artists and wider communities.
Anti-Racist Partnership Agreement
In September 2022, The Centre for Equity & Inclusion commissioned artist and legal practitioner Jack Tan to develop an anti-racist partnership agreement.