Planning of IIRG began in 1996, spurred on by the "international rating" achieved in the last Research Assessment Exercise, where glass research received a special mention. Research funding was won from various sources, and two full-time professorial posts in Glass were created, which were taken up by Dan Klein and Zora Palova. IIRG was launched in June 1998 to complement the National Glass Centre, which was opened in October of the same year by HRH Prince Charles. IIRG was the first research centre of the Art and Design faculty of the University of Sunderland. Professor Sylva Petrova, formerly curator of 20th Century Glass at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague and Deputy Director of the museum, became IIRG's first director. When Petrova retired in 2012, she was succeeded by Dr. Kevin Petrie.
Aims
To develop new knowledge relevant to contemporary glass practice, and to explore diverse means of disseminating that information through exhibitions, residencies, master classes, workshops, and publications
to provide an interface between high level practice in glass and artists working in other media, students, and the public.
To offer a forum for debate and inquiry on contemporary and historical issues in glass.
To foster the development of postgraduate research degrees in glass.
Research
IIRG researches, publishes, and provides lectures about a wide range of glass topics. It facilitates research of new glass methods and technologies and encourages academic work on contemporary and historical glass.
Programme
IIRG regularly organises conferences and seminars about a variety of glass-related topics, including a biannual research conference for ceramics and glass titled Parallels and Connections. It is also involved in activities such as workshops, master classes, publications, exhibitions, residencies, consultancy, project management and commissions.
Exhibitions
IIRG has curated various exhibitions in the UK, Czech Republic, Japan, Slovak Republic, Croatia, and Singapore. It is involved in organising research-related exhibitions at the national glass centre, such as Wheel and Water grind an Edge in 2005 and Kith and Kin: New Glass and Ceramics, a series of two exhibitions in 2012 and 2013.
IIRG Projects Robert Kesseler, Richard Slee, Bruce McLean, Wendy Ramshaw, Gijs Baker, Graham Dolphin, Markku Salo, Claire Barclay, Kristina Niedderer, Stefan Gec, Shelley James, Janine Goldsworthy Next MoveArtists in Residence Shannon Clegg, Mimi Joung, Kathryn Wightman Artists Access to Art Colleges AA2A Artist Placements 2012/13: Anna Mlasowsky, Janis Miltenberger, Maret Sarapu, Stine Bidstrup 2011/12: Lianne Mary Bell, Amanda Simmons, Kateriine Rikken, Emer Lynch 2010/11: Rachel O'Dell, Rachel Welford, Jenny Pope, Catherine Keenan, Meinir Wyn Jones 2009/10: Joel Fisher, Paul Grimmer, Christopher McHugh, Andrea Walsh 2008/9 Jennifer Allison, Carrie Fertig, Patricia Niemann, Bettina Nissen 2007/8: Richard Wheater, Zöe Garner 2006/7: Chris Donnelly, Pia Raeymaekers IIRG Residencies
