Dr Clare M. Cooper is a practicing designer, musician, and educator. Her research focuses on the role of design in agency-building, and how emerging forms of activism influence policy and public discourse.
Over the last two decades, Cooper has brought together thousands of people to work together on community initiatives. She is the co-founder of several organisations focusing on activism and skill-sharing (Frontyard Projects, UTS Climate Strike Workshop, Design Activism Workshop, and Community Environmental Monitoring), two experimental arts festivals (the NOW now festival, Smack Bang), and two improvising orchestras (Sydney's Splinter Orchestra, Berlin Splitter Orchester).
Cooper has consulted on government projects, community grants and policy development, and her work has been published by international journals and record labels.