Dr Caroline Edge
School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies
Current positions
Lecturer
Biography
I am co-programme leader of BA Photography in the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.
I am interested in education through and for regenerative creativity, and the ways collaborative practice can enable social and environmental change.
My professional background is in working with communities through photography, as a photojournalist, and through socially engaged photographic practice. As a practice-based researcher I have contributed to research and impact projects with organisations including the Stroke Association, PhotoVoice, University of Manchester, Bolton Museum and the Photographers Gallery.
Through my AHRC funded collaborative PhD (2017), focussed on Humphrey Spender’s social documentary photographs for Mass Observation’s 1930s Worktown study of Bolton, I explored how engagement with community and place can enable the collective reimagination of histories entangled in photographic archives, leading to the development of creative outputs including a co-created digital archive.
My current research explores how we can develop resilient and regenerative photographic communities for uncertain futures, in practice, education and industry. I am thinking through the interrelationship of photography and gardens for research developed for OFFSHOOT, an Arts Council/National Lottery funded project in collaboration with the University of Salford Art Collection, Open Eye Gallery and RHS Garden Bridgewater and the development of the New Adelphi Secret Garden. I co-lead the Sustainable Arts Practice group in Art and Design and act as Sustainability Champion for my School.
Areas of Research
regenerative and sustainable arts practices
photographic archives, histories and communities
photographic education
collaborative practice-based methodologies
Mass Observation and the Worktown Study
creative practice and gardens
Areas of Supervision
I am available for PhD supervision related to my my research areas. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your proposed research project - c.edge@salford.ac.uk
My research and teaching are integrated - I am inspired by testing and developing ideas in collaboration with my students.
Recent teaching and administration:
BA (Hons) Photography: Creative Communities (L4, Module Lead, 2021-3), Contemporary Professional Practices (L4, 2024-5), The Creative Challenge (L5, Module Lead, 2024-5), Exploring Possibilities (L5, 2022-24), Towards Resolution (L6, 2023-5), Resolution (L6, Module Lead 2023-5)
MA Pathways in Art and Design: Creative Research Methods (Module Lead, 2023-4)
BA Photography Programme Review (2025)
British Academy/SOS-UK sustainability SHAPE impact project - co-leading on cross-school participation (2025-6)
Qualifications
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PhD in Documentary Photography
2011 - 2017 -
MA Photography
2007 - 2009 -
PGCE (Secondary 11-18) Art and Design
2002 - 2003 -
BA (Hons) Interactive Arts
1996 - 1999