The art research programme - arp - is being set up as a laboratory for the generation, development and testing of new ideas at the interface of art, culture and the social environment. arp is seen as an interdisciplinary organisation that facilitates the production of research projects which, with their conceptual make up or socio-political framework, study models of artistic production in as much as these contribute to the building of new cultural models. In this way arp conducts research that is seen as contributing to the understanding of the socio-cultural, artistic and built environments.

arp is a research programme as well as a research-orientated production organisation. It has an eclectic approach in respect of the type of projects that initiates and supports within its overall framework.

arp's focus is on the setting up of interdisciplinary research projects that explore different aspects and relationships related to the production of meaning, creativity and the social environment; for example, projects that look at our immediate built and social environment trying and testing forms of creativity and interaction in relation to specific localities, audiences and perspectives.

Currently arp is developing LooseGrid, an interdisciplinary research project that spans over several universities. The project is dedicated to the setting up of a computer-aided information and communication network with the aim of carrying out research into the relationships between new information and communication technologies, artistic creativity and the urban space. The project aims at working together with local residents in the context of facilitating the communication within a determined urban area within a framework of encouragement residents' creative feedback. The project will be set up initially in an area of Southwark, London, with the participation of local residents, businesses and organisations. LooseGrid is at http://loosegrid.gold.ac.uk

If you would like further information about arp please send us your request in the included form or email us at arp@gold.ac.uk