CUVRES401A
Research history and theory to inform own arts practice

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research history and theory for application to artistic practice.

Application

People working in all areas of arts practice apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. The effectiveness of any creative work is enhanced if supported by a well-developed understanding of the history and theory associated with its genre, style or medium.

At this level, conclusions drawn from research may involve challenging different points of view as part of the process of developing one’s own creative voice. Research activity is largely independent with some guidance as required.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Research history and theory

1.1 Discuss research ideas with appropriate people and identify implications for own arts practice

1.2 Identify and explore potential new and alternative sources of information that could be relevant to own arts practice

1.3 Use formal and informal research techniques appropriately to access information

1.4 Organise research materials and findings for current and future use

2. Link research to own arts practice

2.1 Evaluate information in the context of own arts practice and the work of others

2.2 Assess ways in which different aspects of history and theory may be used, adapted and challenged

2.3 Distil key themes, messages and positions to assist in clarity of thought

2.4 Develop conclusions on research findings in consultation with appropriate people as required

3. Update and maintain knowledge of trends in own arts practice

3.1 Identify and use opportunities to update and expand own knowledge of history and theory

3.2 Incorporate and integrate knowledge into own arts practice

3.3 Seek feedback on the quality of research methodology and outcomes and note areas for future improvement

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to engage in discussions about history and theory relevant to own arts practice

critical thinking skills to analyse and interpret complex and varied references

initiative and enterprise skills to make connections between own arts practice and conclusions drawn from research

learning skills to continually monitor sources of information to expand knowledge base

literacy skills to interpret and summarise information and research findings

planning and organising skills to document and store research findings in a way that enables easy access in the future

technology skills to access and download information from the internet.

Required knowledge

sources of information about history and theory relating to own arts practice and the work of others

information-organisation practices and how they can be applied to own arts practice and the practices of others

intellectual property issues and legislation and how they relate to the use of information in own arts practice.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

use research and critical thinking techniques to evaluate information and distil key themes and ideas

apply knowledge of historical and theoretical references to own arts practice.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a range of relevant and current information services

appropriate technology to collect, download and store information.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of presentation or documentation prepared by the candidate explaining research processes and how issues surrounding history or theory have been incorporated into work

review of case studies prepared by the candidate to assess ability to apply collected information to own arts practice

questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome

review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBCRT401A Articulate, present and debate ideas.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Appropriate people may include:

clients

content experts

copyright representatives

current industry practitioners

industry association representatives

information professionals, such as librarians and museum staff

mentors

teachers.

Arts practice may include:

arts administration

dance

design

interactive digital media

music

photo imaging

visual arts and contemporary craft

writing.

Ways to explore may involve:

attendance at performances

interviews with innovative arts practitioners

participation in performances

visits to:

trade fairs

galleries

special events, such as biennial exhibitions

laboratories.

Sources of information may include:

archives

audio

film

images

internet

journal articles

objects

oral histories

performances

stories

technical or medium-specific information

video

texts:

cultural

historical

religious

scientific

spiritual.

Information may relate to:

aesthetics

criticism

cultural issues

gender and identity issues

histories of art, craft and design

histories of performances or presentations and related skills

land and place

new technologies

politics

spiritual concerns

world histories.

Ways to organise information may involve:

collecting diagrams

compiling charts

constructing mind maps

sketching

storing information in a range of formats, such as:

diaries

electronic and hard copy files

scrapbooks.

Ways to evaluate information may include:

comparing

considering merit

contrasting

critiquing

discussion and debate

reflecting.

Key themes, messages and positions may include:

essence of the idea or concept

influences on the idea or concept

problems and challenges with the idea or concept

reasons why the idea or concept should be supported

relationship of idea or concept to:

established tradition or practice

new and emerging technology

selling a creative team

selling creative ideas

self-promotion as a creative person

way the idea or concept was developed

who had developed the idea or concept and why.


Sectors

Knowledge management – research


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.