Ruth Currie

Ruth Currie is a Researcher and Visiting Lecturer at York St John University's School of the Arts, based in Glasgow. Her work focuses on community music's role in cultural policy and organizational learning. She leads the 'Music for Health in Morecambe' project, examining music-health partnerships, and co-investigates the MOVE project evaluating 12 years of intercultural collaboration. Her PhD (critical ethnography of a community music organization) explored tensions between institutionalization and participatory ideals.

Education: Holds a PhD in community music and cultural policy from York St John University.

Research Interests: Music leaders in cultural policy, organizational learning in arts partnerships, and the intersection of community music with healthcare. She employs Bourdieu’s field theory and Derrida’s hospitality concepts in analyzing institutional dynamics.

Projects: Current initiatives include:

• Music for Health in Morecambe (More Music/Spirit 2012 funded)
• MOVE evaluation (intercultural volunteer exchange)

Professional Activities: Freelance cultural researcher, international conference presenter (e.g., ISME World Conference), and guest lecturer (University of Aberdeen, Edinburgh College).