The marine realm has had a profound impact on the development of human society and continues to stimulate creativity across the full spectrum of human expression. Marine Cultures is a key theme of the Arts Institute at the University of Plymouth, which aims to share knowledge and understanding about art and culture in ways that are inclusive, life affirming, challenging, informative and enjoyable.
Land/Water and the Visual Arts
Land/Water consists of artists, writers and curators who embrace a diversity of creative and critical practices. As a research group it operates as a forum for interrogation of nature and culture, aesthetics and representation. We generate work that addresses a range of issues. These include environmental change, sustainability, journey, site and regional specificity.

Maritime History
Plymouth with its historic links to the voyages of discovery, the founding of the new world, and the development of the Royal Navy, provides a unique perspective from which to connect with this global marine history. Maritime and naval history offers a means to explore these connections on both a global and a regional basis. The Maritime History Research Group provides a focus for work in this area at the University and beyond. Contact Dr Harry Bennett or Dr Elaine Murphy

Artists in Residence
The Marine Institute hosts several artists in residence that contribute to the cultural impact of our work:
- Rosie Sherwood (Artist in Residence)
- Dr Alexis Kirke (Composer in Residence)
- Caroline Carver (Poet in Residence)
- Sue Austin (Artist in Residence)

Institute of Digital Art and Technology (iDAT)
i-DAT is an Open Research Lab for playful experimentation with creative technology.
We co-create and share technological prototypes and practices, that push and challenge the boundaries of digital arts and creative media practice. Our main focus is on making ‘data’ tangible, playable and readily available as a material, to generate new meaning and inform participation, audience engagement and innovation in the arts.

Marine culture staff
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Dr Harry Bennett
Associate Professor (Reader) in History
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Dr Mandy Bloomfield
Associate Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature
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Ms Caroline Burke
Lecturer in Media Arts
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Dr Sarah Chapman
Director of Peninsula Arts
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Dr Jane Grant
Associate Professor (Reader) in Visual Arts
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Dr Alexis Kirke
Senior Research Fellow
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Mr Mike Lawson-Smith
Lecturer for Digital & Time Based Fine Art
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Ms Heidi Morstang
Associate Professor in Photography
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Dr Elaine Murphy
Associate Professor In History
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Dr Kayla Parker
Lecturer in Media Arts
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Professor Liz Wells
Emeritus Professor
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Louis Halewood
Philip Nicholas Lecturer in Maritime History