Position Availability: Fall 2013-Spring 2014
Position Title: Research Assistant- Creative practices: Cultural craftsmanship + technology
Position Type: Student
Proposed Salary/Pay Range: $17/hourly
Job Family: Parsons The New School- School of Fashion
Contact: Marie Genevieve Cyr, Assistant Professor of Fashion Design
Email: cyrm@newschool.edu

Description of the project:
This research focuses on exploring the intersections between technology, cultural identity and creativity. This study combines the connectivity of a small community with the resources of a big city in a series of comparative, qualitative, case study, quasi-experimental projects. What happen when you give a laser cut machine to a group of women in New Guinea? This series of exchanges will allow us to discover a great variety of skills, explore the notion of cultural creativity and its global value. Through experimentation, workshops and “skill share” exploration, the research investigates how resources, environment, and craftsmanship impact one’s discipline, industry, or profession—in this case, fashion design practices.

Position Responsibilities:

-Research specialized fashion / textile workers in small communities with specific craft knowledge.
-Plan interviews.
-Record data through video and photography.
-Compile any academic research and readings that might be relevant to the project and complete a bibliography for reference.
-Facilitate gathering of materials and data for various projects and reports; and organize spreadsheets (Excel).
-Help me with the planning and implementation of the multiple workshops.
-Create and maintain the website / online platform for the project

The student will gain a broad sense of expressive cultural practices, while meeting a wide range of creative forces in the design community who are committed to social and cultural transformation. The student will recognize the importance of collaboration by witnessing how traditional craftsmanship interlaced with technology in the production and creation of fashion can benefit humanity, society, and the environment, when tools and savoir-faire are exchanged.

Minimum Qualifications:

-This role would suit an MA Design and Technology, Fashion Studies, MFA Trans-disciplinary Design, or a graduate student from another division of The New School with knowledge of technology.
-The ideal candidate should have a basic knowledge of rapid prototyping, laser cutting, and digital technology.
-Should be familiar with creation of websites / online platforms. (Word Press / HTML)

Preferred Qualifications:

-Interest in fashion and working with communities outside New York.
-Articulate and tactful communications skills; readiness to meet and work directly with clients.

Work hours: 10hrs / week (flexible hours, Wednesday and Friday preferred)