About us
Founded in 2004, the Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN) investigates historical, theoretical and practice-based research in art, architecture, craft and design.
This research is driven by the desire to critique dominant ideas of 'globalisation' and to open up new perspectives that address questions of how art and design can respond to social (in)justice, decolonisation of institutions and the creation of more diverse global art histories.
Research projects
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Credit: The Fourth Plinth, 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle' by Yinka Shonibare, Trafalgar Square, London. 2011. Author: Brian Gillman. Creative Commons.
Worlding Public Cultures
Developing a critical art theory and practice-based approach to social innovation. Promoting discussion of decolonising museums, the impact of globalisation on art, and decolonial curation.
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"Change your life" 1989-1990, graffitied section of the Berlin Wall by East German Artist Jürgen Grosse (INDIANO) as part of 223 individual Berlin Wall pieces painted with motivational slogans for global audience. Currently in front of the Imperial War Musuem in London. Photo by E. Warner.
Postsocialism and Art
Exploring hidden legacies of postsocialism in Eastern Europe. Creating a platform for a community of artists and art historians interested in the former Eastern Bloc.
TrAIN stories
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On a Suriname River by Ahron de Leeuw
consent not to be a single being: Worlding Public Culture's London Gathering
1-8 December, the Worlding Public Cultures project at TrAIN will host a major international online conference and programme at Tate and Chelsea College of Arts. It will explore the legacies of Caribbean thought on global art histories, public culture and activism.
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Felipe Scovino, Professor of art history at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Professor Felipe Scovino returns to UAL as TrAIN Visiting Scholar
TrAIN welcomes Felipe Scovino, Professor of art history at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro as Visiting Scholar. Formerly the curator for the estate of Lygia Clark, Professor Scovino has since worked extensively as an independent curator. His current research focuses on the work of artist Hélio Oiticica and architect Lina Bo Bardi.
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Cloud patterned textiles by Hugging Yue MA Textile Design Chelsea UAL Photo by David Poultney
New TrAIN Associate Dr Nela Milic to lead on Postsocialism and Art
TrAIN is excited to welcome new research Associate Dr. Nela Milic, who will lead on decolonial research project, Postsocialism and Art. Dr Milic is an artist and academic in the Design School at UAL’s London College of Communication.
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People
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courtesy of UAL,
Professor Paul Goodwin
Director, TrAIN
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Michael Asbury 2023
Dr Michael Asbury
Deputy Director, TrAIN
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Ewelina Warner 2023
Ewelina Warner
Research Centre Manager, TrAIN
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Maribel Hidalgo-Urbaneja
Dr Maribel Hidalgo-Urbaneja
Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Worlding Public Cultures: The Arts and Social Innovation, UAL
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Gabriele Grigorjevaite. Photographer: Simon Eaves
Gabrielė Grigorjevaitė
Project Coordinator, Research Centres and Institutes, UAL
Past events
Watch our open lectures, seminars, workshops and symposia.
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