Collective Power of Co-Production
Watch the film to hear more about the Uncertain Futures project and its care-full and inclusive approach to research.
Colleagues talked at length about the benefits of engaging a diverse range of co-researchers throughout the research process. They also shared their frustrations with research funding models that make it more difficult to work ethically and inclusively. We are learning from projects that managed to do this incredibly well (against the odds).
Inclusion
A film about the Uncertain Futures project, its inclusive approach to research and the impacts it has had for all involved
Useful links and resources
Click on the boxes below to expand them and find out more about the research and people featured in the film
The Uncertain Futures project
Uncertain Futures is an art and research collaboration that aims to highlight and analyse the intersectional inequalities facing women over 50 around work.
The project was initially developed by artist Suzanne Lacy with an Advisory Group formed of women over 50 from Manchester’s diverse communities in association with Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester City Council’s Work and Skills Team. It is supported by a research team from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The title is taken from the research consortium Uncertain Futures: Managing late-career transitions and extended working life led by Professor Sarah Vickerstaff.
The project centred on three exhibitions:
- The Interviews: Art as Research (live interviews with100 women over 50 years from diverse backgrounds across Manchester conduction within the art gallery and displayed on the gallery walls).
- The Process: Research as Art (an exhibition centred on the methods of participatory research and how this can be achieved through research and art).
- The Story of Women, Work and Uncertain Futures (an exhibition centred on a short film and the display of a Manifesto of Rights for Older Women).
Contributing researchers and project team
Uncertain Futures project team
Project leads
- Ruth Edson, Learning Manager (Communities), Manchester Art Gallery
- Suzanne Lacy (artist)
Co-lead Researchers
- Dr Sarah Campbell, Senior Lecturer in Social Care and Social Work, Manchester Metropolitan University
- Dr Elaine Dewhurst, Senior Lecturer in Employment Law, The University of Manchester
Uncertain Futures Advisory Group/Community co-researchers
- Akhter Azabany
- Erinma Bell
- Sally Casey
- Atiha Chaudry
- Rohina Ghafoor
- Marie Greenhalgh
- Teodora Ilieva
- Tendayi Madzunzu
- Jila Mozoun
- Elayne Redford
- Nadia Siddiqui
- Circle Steele
- Patricia Williams
- Louise Wong
The Uncertain Futures website includes details of everyone involved in the research project
Publications and resources
The Uncertain Futures website hosts a wide range of films, reports and resources that have been produced during the project, including:
- An Uncertain Futures research findings documentary
- The Uncertain Futures research report
- The Manifesto for Change
Elaine's academic publications and other outputs are available via her Research Explorer page. Sarah's are available through her Manchester Metropolitan University profile.
You can also read a case study about how the University of Manchester and project partners have worked together to support the Uncertain Futures team to maximise the impact of the research and sustain the participatory elements.