Research impact

Selected examples of the impact of Norwich University of the Arts’ research on society, culture and the economy

Sylexiad

The Sylexiad typeface is a range of fonts for adult dyslexic readers designed by Dr Robert Hillier.  Extensive research identified the typographic characteristics adult dyslexic and non-dyslexic readers preferred and why. The design of Sylexiad was unusual in that the testing for readability and legibility was undertaken during the actual design process, which raised issues that both confirm and contradict current typographic principles of legibility.

Sylexiad has been used throughout the world in publications and public-facing web pages; from 2016 Sylexiad has been the dyslexia friendly font of choice used by Bloomsbury in their successful High Low series aimed at struggling and reluctant readers and those children with English an additional language. 

In 2019 Hillier made both fonts Selexiad Serif and Sylexiad Sans, free online.

Picasso, Peace and Freedom

‘Picasso Peace and Freedom’ was presented at Tate Liverpool, Albertina and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in 2010-11. This major exhibition, curated by Professor Lynda Morris and Dr Christoph Grunenberg, presented a reassessment of the impact of Picasso’s politics on his paintings, drawings and sculptures, challenging what has been seen as the artist’s lack of engagement with serious politics.

711,905 people visited the three exhibitions, gaining new views of the artist’s political engagements with major international developments of the twentieth century and with leaders of countries that remain centres of tension today. As an example of the economic impact of the research, the exhibition brought direct visitor spend of almost £5 million to the city of Liverpool, in which it was initially presented.

EASTinternational

A leading open submission exhibition ‘EASTinternational’ was founded by Professor Lynda Morris at NUA in 1991 and was significant in establishing the reputations of prominent artists and curators who have become major forces in contemporary art in the UK and across the world.

In researching contemporary and emerging practice, identifying topical exhibition themes, commissioning new works, originating solo exhibitions and developing international networks ‘EASTinternational’ supported the professional, career and commercial development of over 700 artists, curators and dealers, and enhanced critical discourse in a variety of disciplines. Many artists who are now recognised as important figures had one of their first major public showings at EAST including Martin Creed, Jeremy Deller, Matthew Higgs, Tomoko Takahashi, Zarina Bhimji, Lucy McKenzie and Runa Islam.