About Us
The Centre for the Study of Media and Culture in Small Nations (the Centre) was established in 2006 as a means of co-ordinating and developing the teaching interests and research work of academic staff in the areas of media, culture, communication, theatre and performance, much of which has focused on the creative industries in Wales and the wider economic, social and political context in which these industries operate.
The Centre has an overarching role in the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI), and works in conjunction with existing research groups and Centres in CCI and has a strong relationship to inter-disciplinary research initiatives elsewhere in the University. It has established connections with media practitioners across Wales and the UK, and academic links with colleagues in other small nations, including Catalonia, Belgium and New Zealand.
Whilst the idea for a Centre that takes as its focus ‘small nations’ arose out of work in Wales, the Centre has included in its scope other small nations in Europe and beyond.
Objectives
The Centre aims to produce research of the highest standards that has relevance both for Wales and other small nations achieving impact beyond the Academy.
The specific objectives of the Centre are:
- To undertake high quality research in media, culture and performance with particular attention to a broad understanding of the creative and cultural industries, which has direct relevance for small nations;
- To disseminate the results of its research through publications, conferences and public education initiatives;
- To facilitate and increase dialogue between industry, policy makers, academics and the wider public;
- To initiate partnership arrangements with other institutions and industry bodies;
- To recognise and foster applied research that supports entrepreneurial activities in the creative and cultural industries;
- To develop national, regional and international dialogue and collaborations;
- To exchange knowledge with other institutions, and with communities, organisations and governments, thereby contributing to an understanding of the distinct identity, or identities, of small nations;
- To become recognised as a stimulating environment for postgraduate study and acknowledged as a centre of excellence for research into small nations.
In working towards these objectives, the Centre will play an active role in assisting the University of Glamorgan in achieving its strategic direction, which is to ‘advance within the wider international context, the economic, social and cultural priorities of Wales’.