Outwith: Binks Futures

The Binks Hub's work explored participatory creative practices within the social sciences. Binks Hub Futures continues this work, badging activities that reflect the core values and approaches of the Binks Hub.

The Binks Hub has had an extraordinary impact, helping to embed a collaborative, participatory and creative approach to research. Although further core funding to resource dedicated staff time has not yet been secured, its legacy will undoubtedly live on in its numerous research outputs and the seeds it has sown. But we are also keen to build on has been achieved, and to build and grow its community, practice, and approach.

While funding to continue as a hub is sought, Outwith will therefore carry forward a selection of events, projects, and outputs, badged as "Binks Futures", which represent examples of activities and materials that have grown from the seeds planted by the Binks Hub, and embody the values and priorities of the Binks Hub.

Some of these will take place as part of Outwith's wider programming (three examples of these are below), others will be shared here but taken on by other organisations, individuals, and communities. 

If you have any questions, or would like an update on the Binks Future's programming as it comes together (to be released in December 2026), please email Nel at outwith@ed.ac.uk.

 

The Binks Hub logo

The online reading group is open to all and focuses on creative and artistically engaged methods for research.  The emphasis is on practice and the application of methods.  We may invite participants to experiment between reading group meetings, but this is not required. You do not have to be an academic or a student to join this reading group, but you should have an interest in creative methods.

While we do often read short articles and excerpts, we will also be engaging with other media formats. 

Preparation

You are asked to complete the reading ahead of the groups and write down any questions it raised for you.

Our format for the discussion will be:

  • 1 minute response from each group member (this could be a creative response or just an overview of what it made you think, feel, wonder about)
  • 30 minutes – Open discussion
  • 5 minutes at the end – Summarising key takeaways or things we might think about bringing into our research practise.

Schedule:

To be confirmed - Starting in 2027


These are relaxed sessions with writing prompts, a chance to share and discuss writing goals, and regular creative activities to break up the session.

All are welcome and we hope to have a mix of practitioners, community members, academics and students. You are welcome to work on any kind of writing project you have. There will be opportunities to share your work but no obligation to do so, and there will be tea, coffee and snacks to help sustain your creative energy!

You do not have to be a member of the University (staff or student) to attend. Retreats will take place in the University of Edinburgh Main Library.

Next Sessions: To be announced, starting in 2027.


We will be revisiting our co-creative methods seminar series in 2027, showcasing projects in this area, exploring different approaches, and sharing knowledge and skills. 

Seminars will be in a mix of formats, tailored to the topics and themes. Some will be online, others in-person at the Main Library at the University of Edinburgh. 

Everyone is welcome, whether you are staff at the University of Edinburgh, or from further afield.

Schedule for 2027 TBD  


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