Kiley Gaffney

Kiley Gaffney is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Creative Arts at Queensland University of Technology, where she serves as Academic Lead (Learning & Teaching) and Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Creative Industries degrees. With a PhD from the University of Queensland, her academic career bridges theoretical research with creative practice in music, cultural studies, and performance.

Her educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts with Honours, both from the University of Queensland. Gaffney is an active member of the Cultural Studies Association of Australia and the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, and previously served on the 4ZZZ board (2010-2012).

Gaffney's research interests span cultural studies, performing arts, communication and media studies, with particular focus on cosmopolitanism, affect theory, and relational art practices. Her doctoral thesis, "Cosmopolitan Tendencies in Intersubjective Art," examined the complex relations between advanced capitalism and cosmopolitanism through the lens of relational art practices. Her work integrates critical theory, gender studies, and her own creative experiences as a musician.

Her publications from 2007-2019 demonstrate consistent scholarly output across cultural studies, music, and creative practice. The articles reveal a trajectory from more traditional academic writing toward increasingly interdisciplinary work that blends theoretical analysis with creative practice, particularly in music and performance. Her research shows strong connections between cultural theory, affect studies, and practical creative applications.

• Vice Chancellor's Performance Award (2013)
• Multiple competitive grants including Arts Queensland Development and Presentation Grant and Australia Council for the Arts grants (2012)
• Commissioned to create GOMA's fifth birthday song (2011)
• Valedictorian - Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours (2004)

Gaffney has supervised numerous doctoral students through completion, with research topics spanning music city theory, creative practice, opera creation, and Brisbane's musical identity. Her teaching spans undergraduate to doctoral levels, with course development in music concepts, music scenes and subcultures, and creative performance. She has also been actively involved with IMP Labs, QUT's research center, and maintains connections with the broader music community through performance and industry engagement.