Christopher McHugh

Dr. Christopher McHugh is a Lecturer in Ceramics at Belfast School of Art, part of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at Ulster University. He joined Ulster University in 2017 and previously served as Course Director of BA Hons Ceramics, Jewellery & Silversmithing from 2018-2021. Currently, he teaches ceramics as part of BA Fine Art, Foundation Studies and MSc Art Psychotherapy programs. He also holds the position of Global Engagement Lead at Belfast School of Art and serves as Visual Arts Subject Specialist for the Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership.

Dr. McHugh's educational background includes a BA in Archaeology from Durham University (1998), an MPhil in Archaeology from Cambridge University (2000), and a PhD in Ceramics from the University of Sunderland (2015). He also received a MEXT Scholarship for study at Kyoto University, Japan (2001-2003). He maintains an ongoing relationship with the University of Sunderland as a Visiting Research Fellow in the faculties of Health Sciences and Wellbeing and Arts and Creative Industries.

His practice-led research explores the relationship between artistic and archaeological methodologies, with particular focus on archives, museum collections, and communities. A significant strand of his work investigates Japan's post-war ceramic figurine industry, culminating in projects like the SetoMonogatari series. His research sits at the intersection of contemporary ceramic practice, arts and health, material culture studies, and museum collections. This interdisciplinary approach has led to international exhibitions including the RUA Annual Show (2021), Ceramics Ireland's Triennial (2020), and the British Ceramics Biennial (2019), with his work held in public collections in Ireland and Japan.

Dr. McHugh's recent publications and creative works demonstrate a consistent focus on connecting historical ceramic practices with contemporary artistic expression. His research output spans academic articles, exhibition catalogues, featured magazine articles, and creative works that explore themes of time, memory, cultural exchange, and the relationship between archaeological methodology and artistic practice. His projects often involve international collaboration, particularly with Japanese institutions, and community engagement initiatives that bridge academic research with public understanding.

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021)
• Honorable Mention - 9th Cheongju International Craft Competition (2015)
• Member of the International Academy of Ceramics (2021)
• Works Setomonogatari 1-4 acquired by the Seto City Art Museum (2016)
• Ulster University Early Career Researcher Impact Fund Award (2021)

Dr. McHugh actively supervises PhD students working on topics related to contemporary ceramic practice, arts and health, museum collections, and material culture. His current research projects include "IAA - Re-encountering Heritage," "APP3822: National Museum of Ethnology, Japan," and "NBC PhD: The excavation and incavation of dance." He serves on the Research Ethics Filter Committee at Ulster University and holds external positions including Board Member of Craft NI, Subject Adviser to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, and external examiner for MA Ceramics at Staffordshire University.

His creative practice operates at the intersection of academic research and artistic production, with significant engagement with Japanese ceramic traditions and contemporary interpretations. The SetoMonogatari project represents a key strand of this work, creating dialogue between historical Japanese ceramic figurines and contemporary artistic practice.