RNCM Research Forum: Workshop Afternoon
Ethics in Artistic Practice Research in Music and Sound (Workshop Afternoon)
When
Wed 28 Oct 2026, 12.30pm
Price
Free
Where
RNCM The Lounge
Promoter
RNCM
Speakers
Dr Lauren Redhead (Goldsmith, University of London) keynote researcher and workshop leader
Dr Scott McLaughlin (University of Leeds), Dr Mira Benjamin (City St George’s, University of London), Prof Wiebke Thormählen (RNCM) curators
About
This interactive sandpit and workshop afternoon brings together artistic practice researchers, including PhD students, working in sound and music to explore the ethical dimensions of their work. Through collaborative discussion, hands-on activities, and knowledge sharing, participants will engage with challenges around consent, authorship, representation, cultural sensitivity, and the responsibilities of working with communities, technologies, and materials in creative research. Designed as a supportive space for experimentation and exchange, the afternoon will combine short provocations with participatory exercises, enabling attendees to critically reflect on their own practices while learning from others. Whether navigating field recordings, working with collaborators, or developing practice-as-research methodologies, participants will leave with practical tools and fresh perspectives to inform ethical decision-making in their artistic work. A collaboration between the Royal Northern College of Music and The Royal Musical Association Practice Research Study Group
Share your ideas
If you’re interested in sharing an issue in the opening sandpit, please submit a summary of no more than 200 words along with a 100-word bio to [email protected] by Wed 7 Oct 2026. We will do our best to accommodate and/or cluster issues and topics together. This event will end at approximately 5.30pm.
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RNCM Research
The RNCM provides a unique research environment in which musical creativity and experimentation can flourish by continually forging new connections between teaching, research, and performance.
Things to know before your visit
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How to Get Here

Bus
There are frequent bus services from Manchester City Centre (Piccadilly Gardens) to Oxford Road and Booth Street West.
These bus stops are all within a five-minute walk to the RNCM:
Aquatics Centre (Southbound):
Bus Numbers 15, 18, 41 CrossCity, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 111, 142, 142N, 143, 147, 191, 197, V1 Vantage, V2 Vantage, V4
Cavendish Street (Northbound), Higher Cambridge St/Boundary St West (Southbound):
Bus Numbers 101, 102, 103
Royal Northern College of Music (both directions):
Bus Numbers 53 Orbits, 85, 85A, 86, 250, 263 Sapphire
University Shopping (Northbound):
Bus Numbers 15, 18, 41 CrossCity, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 111, 142, 142N, 143, 147, 191, 197, V1 Vantage, V2 Vantage, V4
Tram
The nearest tram stop is St Peter’s Square (0.8 miles). From there you can walk to the RNCM in 15 minutes or catch a southbound bus down Oxford Road.
Bike
A public bike rack can be found in the RNCM surface car park located on Rosamond Street West, next to the entrance doors – don’t forget to bring your bike lock!
There is also a Bee Network docking station on the corner of Rosamond Street West and Oxford Road, next to the RNCM.
Please note that e-bikes are not permitted at the RNCM.
Train
The nearest train station is Manchester Oxford Road (0.5 miles). From there you can walk to the RNCM in 13 minutes or catch a southbound bus down Oxford Road.
Other train stations include:
Manchester Piccadilly (0.8 miles/20 minute walk)
Deansgate (0.9 miles/21 minute walk)
Manchester Victoria (1.5 miles/33 minute walk)
Car and Parking Information
If you are travelling by car we recommend that you allow plenty of time for your journey. Please note that general traffic along Oxford Road is no longer permitted to use the route between 6am and 9pm, seven days a week. Visitors driving into and across the city centre will need to use alternative routes, such as Upper Brook Street and Princess Street, rather than Oxford Road.
Parking
Please note that there is no public car parking available at the RNCM on weekdays and Saturdays before 5pm. Daytime visitors are advised to use nearby public car parks.
We have limited blue badge spaces within our surface car park that can be pre-booked by customers at [email protected] (these are subject to availability). There is also limited on street provision for disabled parking on Rosamond Street West, adjacent to the main car park entrance.

Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence Underground Car Park (evenings and all day on Sundays) Off Rosamond Street West
On weekdays and Saturdays between 5 – 11.30pm, and on Sundays between 6am – 11.30pm, visitor parking is available in the RNCM secure underground car park, located next to the College in the basement of Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence. This is a cashless car park.
The current charge per visit is £5 per car, payable by contactless or chip and pin only.*
Please note that the underground car park entrance/exit is 2.1 metres high and 2.3 metres wide. Customers who own larger vehicles may wish to consider using alternative car parks in order to reduce the risk of damage to vehicles.
Overnight parking in the Sir Charles Groves Hall car park is prohibited, and is subject to a fine of £50 per night.
The two closest public car parks to the RNCM are:
University of Manchester Booth Street West Car Park
Booth Street West
M15 6AR (access via Higher Cambridge Street)
Further information
Manchester Aquatics Centre Car Park (NCP)
Booth Street East
M13 9SS
Further information
Please note that travel and parking information has been given as a guide only, and may be subject to change. Car parks 2 and 3 are not managed by the RNCM. Visitors are advised to check travel plans ahead of your journey.
Air
Our nearest airport is Manchester Airport, located about 10 miles south of the city centre. There are regular train, bus and taxi connections to the city.
For more information please visit the Manchester Airport website.

Where to eat
Our fully accessible RNCM Café Bar serves freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals, as well as takeaway salads, sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and snacks. All our selections include vegan options, and we operate our service in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way.

