Advancing Frontiers: Inquiry and Innovation at Parvis

Research is the lifeblood of Parvis School of Economics and Music, York. It informs our teaching, drives innovation, and contributes to the broader understanding of both economic systems and artistic practices. Our institutional ethos champions a dynamic interplay between rigorous scholarly inquiry and creative exploration, fostering a research environment where traditional disciplinary boundaries are transcended to address complex contemporary questions. We are committed to producing research that is not only academically excellent but also culturally relevant and socially impactful, reflecting our unique position at the confluence of economics, business, music, and the arts.

Our faculty comprises internationally recognised scholars, esteemed artists, and experienced industry professionals who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research across a diverse spectrum of interests. This vibrant research culture extends to our postgraduate students, who are encouraged to develop as independent researchers, contributing original insights to their respective fields under the guidance of dedicated supervisors.

Key Research Clusters and Themes

Whilst individual research interests are diverse, several key interdisciplinary clusters and themes define the research landscape at Parvis:

• Cultural Economics and Creative Industries: This cluster investigates the economic dynamics of the arts and cultural sectors. Research areas include the valuation of cultural goods and heritage, the economics of copyright and intellectual property in the digital age, business models for creative enterprises, arts funding policies, cultural tourism, and the impact of cultural events on local and national economies. Our unique blend of economic and artistic expertise makes Parvis a leading centre for this increasingly vital field of study.
• Performance Studies and Sonic Arts Research: This area encompasses a wide range of inquiries into music performance, composition, and sonic art practices. Research includes historical performance practices, contemporary composition techniques, music cognition and perception, the role of technology in music creation and dissemination, ethnomusicological studies of global music traditions, and practice-based research leading to new artistic works. Our state-of-the-art sound studios and performance spaces support innovative research in this domain.
• Arts Policy, Management, and Cultural Leadership: Focusing on the strategic and operational aspects of the cultural sector, this research theme explores issues such as arts governance, cultural policy formulation and evaluation, audience development and engagement, arts marketing and branding, philanthropy and sponsorship in the arts, and ethical leadership in cultural organisations. Research often involves collaboration with cultural institutions and policymakers.
• Applied Economics and Strategic Business Development: This cluster addresses contemporary challenges in business and economics, with a particular emphasis on areas that resonate with our institutional strengths. Topics include behavioural economics and its application to consumer choice (including arts consumption), financial market analysis, international trade and development, strategic innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within creative industries, and sustainable business practices.
• Interdisciplinary Pedagogy and Knowledge Exchange: Parvis is also committed to research into innovative pedagogical approaches that effectively integrate economic and artistic modes of thinking. This includes exploring how artistic practices can enhance learning in business education, and how economic principles can inform sustainable careers in the arts. We foster knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and the public through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects.

Fostering a Vibrant Research Environment

Parvis supports its research community through a variety of means:

• Dedicated Research Centres (Conceptual): We envision the future development of specialised research centres that act as hubs for our key interdisciplinary themes, fostering collaboration and attracting external funding.
• Postgraduate Research Programmes: Our MA and MSc programmes are designed to equip students with advanced research skills, culminating in substantial dissertation or project work that contributes to their field. We provide rigorous training in research methodologies relevant to both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Faculty Development and Support: We invest in our faculty by providing opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, research sabbaticals, and seed funding for pilot projects.
• Seminar Series and Symposia: Parvis regularly hosts internal and external research seminars, workshops, and academic symposia, bringing together leading scholars, artists, and practitioners to share insights and stimulate debate. These events provide invaluable networking and learning opportunities for both staff and students.
• Library and Archival Resources: Our library provides access to extensive collections of academic journals, books, musical scores, recordings, and digital resources relevant to economics, business, music, and the arts. We are also committed to developing unique archival collections related to our areas of specialisation.
• Ethical Research Practices: All research conducted at Parvis adheres to the highest ethical standards, ensuring integrity, transparency, and respect for all participants and stakeholders. We have robust ethical review processes in place.

The research undertaken at Parvis School of Economics and Music aims to push intellectual and creative boundaries, offering fresh perspectives on pressing societal issues and contributing to the rich cultural and economic tapestry of York and beyond. We believe that through rigorous inquiry and imaginative exploration, we can make a meaningful difference to the world.