CIRA research Day

CRÍA Research Day

We are delighted to invite you to the CRÍA Research Day, hosted by CRÍA (Creative Research / Instituting Art), School of Heritage and Culture, University of Leicester, in partnership with the Attenborough Arts Centre and supported by the Leicester Institute of Advanced Studies. Taking place on Tuesday 14 April 2026, the day brings together workshops and a public conversation exploring creative, embodied, and performance-based research methods. All events will be held at the Attenborough Arts Centre.

Workshop 1: Theatre as a Method of Research – A Taster Session

Time: 1:30–4:30 PM
Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre
Audience: PhD researchers, staff, and community researchers

This embodied workshop introduces participants to theatre and performance as research methods, focusing on co-creation, political practice, and approaches that challenge conventional academic frameworks. Led by Effie Makepeace (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) and Akshay Khanna (Research Activism Performance Theatre). No previous experience is required - please wear comfortable clothing.

 Eventbrite: Theatre Workshop Tickets

Workshop 2: An Island of Strangers – Henna Storytelling on Migration, Homeland & Belonging

Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre
Audience: MA students

A participatory henna-based session exploring storytelling as creative research. Participants will reflect on themes of migration and belonging through guided prompts and conversation. This workshop draws on creative work developed by Ayisha Saniya during her Venice Fellowship with the British Council, engaging with themes from the 2025 Venice Biennale. No prior experience needed.

Eventbrite: Henna Workshop Tickets

Culture Talk: Art as Method – Performance and Research in Conversation

Time: 5–6 PM (with a reception at 6 PM)
Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

This public conversation asks: What happens when art becomes a research method? Speakers Akshay Khanna, Effie Makepeace (RAPT – Research Activism Performance Theatre), Ayisha Saniya, and Sylvan Baker (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) will discuss how embodied artistic processes reshape knowledge production and make space for experiences that resist straightforward narration.

Book your tickets for Culture Talk