Sandra Johnston

Dr Sandra Johnston serves as Lecturer in Fine Art (Performance) at Ulster University's Belfast School of Art, with an international artistic career spanning since 1992. Her academic roles include Ré Soupault Guest Professor at Bauhaus University, Weimar (2007) and joint-lead of Northumbria University's BxNU MFA programme (2012-2021).

Her research centers on site-responsive performance in contested spaces, evolving from trauma of place investigations to current healing-focused improvisation work. Key interests include:

• Embodied testimony in legal justice systems
• Collective memory and location stigmatization
• Haptic intelligence through performance
• Sustainable creative networks
• Collaborative workshop facilitation

Recent outputs (2022-2023) demonstrate intensified focus on conflict transformation symposia and healing-oriented group performances, moving beyond earlier trauma documentation toward active recovery processes through embodied practice.

Notable distinctions include:

• AHRC Research Fellowship for 'trauma of place' investigations
• O'MALLEY VISUAL ARTS AWARD (2020)
• BBC 'Power of Art' commission (2007)
• DIVA Funding Award for SIGRID'S STUE residency (2011)

She has secured substantial international funding including Artists’ International Development Fund Grants and multiple Arts Council Northern Ireland awards. Current leadership roles include Chair of Belfast School of Art committee and ongoing collaboration with artist collectives like Bbeyond since 2002, reflecting deep commitment to sustainable creative networks and workshop-based knowledge exchange.