Karen is a researcher, educator and cultural strategist with a professional background in the creative industries and publishing sectors. She is engaged as a Lecturer in Creative Industries and Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Creative Industries.
Karen’s research focuses on the social and political aspects of the creative industries, specifically examining how policy shapes the conditions of creative/cultural workers (SDG 8), value in the creative industries, and how writing and publishing contributes to dynamic cities and communities (SDG 11). She also researches gender and working life (SDG 5, SDG 8). Karen is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Previously, she was the Associate Publisher of Griffith Review. She is a peer reviewer for the Australia Council.
Media
- A huge new cultural policy for the arts and inside Opus Dei-linked high schools. Triple j Hack, ABC. 30 January 2023.
Professional memberships
- Social Theory, Politics and The Arts
- Association for Cultural Economics International
Awards
- Australian Post-graduate Award scholarship (Griffith University)
- Griffith University School of Humanities completion scholarship
- Griffith University Graduate School: International and domestic travel award
- Queensland Government Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation Women’s Academic Fund
Professional Social Media
Research areas
- cultural policy
- Australian publishing
- creative industries
Karen Hands specialist area of knowledge includes Australian publishing, creative industries, cultural management, cultural policy and cultural leadership.