The professional doctorate by Public Works

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Professional Doctorate by Public Works (DProf by Public Works) one of the newer Doctorates by Professional Studies from the Institute of Work Based Learning in Middlesex University. Design/methodology/approach – The DProf by Public Works is based on 75 per cent practice that has already taken place, and the 25 per cent Contextual Statement is a reflection on this practice encapsulated in no more than six Public Works, which places the researcher at the centre of the enquiry. Findings – This paper focuses on a particular DProf by Public Works entitled “An entrepreneurial curatorial strategy for public spaces” and outlines how it was achieved by detailing the inter-professional and trans-disciplinary approach taken. The process undertaken to produce a self-reflexive and self-positioning statement reflecting on over ten years of independent curatorial practice of public art exhibitions is examined. Originality/value – The Public Works and its supporting Contextual Statement make up the DProf by Public Works. These can be published works in the traditional sense or other embodied expressions of knowledge and practice such as collections of artifacts, videos, photographic records, musical scores, artworks, and exhibitions. This paper explores how individual critiquing at the highest level of enquiry in the Contextual Statement can transform research into future real-world strategic directions that influence thinking, action, and practice in the public domain.