Aisha Richards
Richards current research interests include authenticity of research practice, pedagogy of be-yonding (a term she coined), and applied pedagogies of social justice.
Through Richards founding Shades of Noir (2009), The Centre for Race & Practice Based Social Justice her work has inspired and informed the full spectrum of creatives and educational practitioners across the UK. Richards has been a member of many advisory groups focusing on producing guidance for tackling intersectional inequality both in Higher Education and Industry. As a recognised specialist in the field Richards continues to consult and advise a range of institutions and organisations, including CHEAD, ELIA and The Tate as well as many others.
As part of Richards work she has published a study entitled ‘Any Room At The Inn’ (2009), which looks at qualitative research investigating marginalised and discriminated graduates and their transitions into creative employment. Additionally authored Advance HEs ‘Embedding equality and diversity in the curriculum: an art and design practitioner’s guide‘, 2015 and ‘Retention and attainment in the disciplines: Art and Design’ 2016. Additionally, she has chapters in ‘ The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection’ 2022, ‘Transforming the Ivory Tower: Models for gender equality and social justice’, 2022, and many others.
Ultimately, Richards multifaceted work and practices aims to challenge and disrupt designed structural inequality, through evolved applied research which transcends people, practice and policies.
Images by Ayo Banton
Aisha Richards is an author, a practicing designer for over a decade and multiple award-winning activist academic leader and researcher who has pioneered programmes to address inequalities to improve the staff and student recruitment, retention and progression in the education sector and beyond, which has supported thousands of students, academics and practitioners alike. Her work has been recognised nationally by Advanced HE in their reports and guidance aimed at tackling inequality.
Discover more at www.shadesofnoir.org.uk