Creative wellbeing for South Asian Muslim children and their families in Bradford: exploring the role of performing arts - ESRC Grand Union DTP CDA 2025

Performing arts such as dance and physical theatre can make significant contributions to wellbeing across the lifecourse, not only through movement, but through cognitive, social, aesthetic, artistic and creative mechanisms. South Asian Muslim families negotiate and overcome various socio-structural barriers to engage in performing arts, linked to marginalising aspects of their identity including gender, ethnicity, religion and/or deprivation. Cultural dance forms, and relatable leaders may provide ‘representations of the possible’ by challenging stereotypes and providing opportunities for enhancing wellbeing through the reaffirmation, development and sharing of cultural heritage in diverse societies. Despite this, research on developing culturally informed performing arts interventions and evaluating their wellbeing impact is limited. There is an urgent need for building knowledge about the role of arts and culture in promoting wellbeing amongst South Asian Muslim families.

This collaborative PhD offers an exciting opportunity to conduct action-research alongside the JU:MP culture initiative in the Born in Bradford programme.

Based within the NHS, ‘JU:MP culture’ is a place-based initiative that aims to promote arts and culture-based approaches to physical activity amongst children and families in Bradford UK, to reduce health inequalities and build community cohesion. Over 25% of Bradford’s population are from a South Asian Muslim background; JU:MP culture is testing targeted, culturally informed performing arts approaches to promoting wellbeing amongst Bradford-based South Asian Muslim communities.

Born in Bradford (BiB) aims to find out what keeps families healthy and happy. BiB uses this information to work with the local authority, health, education and voluntary sector providers across Bradford district to develop, implement and evaluate ambitious programmes to improve population health. BiB hosts a range of programmes to improve health working with the local authority, health, education, cultural and voluntary sector providers. One such programme is JU:MP, Bradford’s whole systems approach to physical activity for children and families, funded by Sport England. JU:MP is a practice-based approach which aims to increase population-level physical activity and reduce inequalities through discrete but interconnected initiatives. Initiatives include: active faith settings, creating active schools, green space developments, local action plans, strategic influencing, people development, active travel, and JU:MP culture. The latter, which is the primary focus of this PhD proposal, aims to: (1) promote physical activity through performing arts-based activities (e.g. dance, parkour, physical theatre), (2) develop culturally-sensitive approaches to support engagement with physical activity and performing arts, (3) draw on traditional cultural practices for engaging in physical activity, performing arts and promoting wellbeing, and (4) utilise sport and physical activity to promote intercultural and broader community cohesion. Born in Bradford is a strategic partner for Bradford 2025 City of Culture and JU:MP culture works in partnership with Bradford 2025 and other partners including the LEAP, Living Well, Play Bradford, and Active Bradford to deliver JU:MP culture.

This research idea originates and is being developed in collaboration with British Asian performer and choreographer Mahjabeen Ahad who has two decades of lived experience working in this field.

Eligibility

• Studentships supported by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation are open to Home, EU and International students.

• Students must reside in the UK during their studies to receive United Kingdom Research and Innovation funding

• The studentships are highly competitive with two stages of selection: first selection at Brunel and then the second stage at the Doctoral Training Partnership level

• Applicants are normally expected to hold a Masters degree and a minimum IELTS 7 for international students

The PhD studentship will be funded by the Grand Union DTP for an expected 3.5 years (or part-time equivalent) from October 2025. The award length offered may differ depending on the candidate’s prior training and how they meet ESRC training requirements.

 Information about Grand Union DTP ESRC studentships and eligibility can be found on the Grand Union DTP website.

How to apply

To apply for the studentship you must submit:

1. A Grand Union DTP Application form which is here;

2.  2000 word research proposal including references. Your proposal can draw on the description of the research detailed above.

3.  Two written references, they should have a good knowledge of your academic record to date and your plans for the research project. They should be in a position to judge your suitability and preparedness for doctoral study. Only one of your two referees can be a member of your proposed (or actual) supervisory team. You may ask the supervisor of your Masters dissertation to be one of your referees.

4.  Your up-to-date CV;

5.  Your single A4 page, single-spaced personal statement setting out why you are interested in undertaking this project;

      6.  Your degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);

      7.  Evidence of your English language capability to IELTS 7.0 or equivalent, if appropriate;

      8.  Completed Equal Opportunities form

 In case of queries of an academic nature, please contact the academic leads Prof Louise Mansfield or Dr Jennifer Hall:

louise.mansfield@brunel.ac.uk or jennifer.hall@bthft.nhs.uk.

Please email all completed documents to emma.smith@brunel.ac.uk with the subject header "Wellbeing ESRC CDA Studentship application" by 10 January 2025, 5pm.