DRU initiates, supports and disseminates creative research and production activities in interdisciplinary practice with emphasis on digital, interactive, and network media, linking artists, researchers, academics, and creative networks.

The DRU delivers a dynamic and challenging range of work from artists at the forefront of interdisciplinary practice, bringing new ideas and working practices to the fore. DRU consists of four core strands; Research Fellowships, DRU Commissions, DRU R&D Projects and the DRU Residency Programme including the international artists in residency programme of Arts Council England.

DRU is a research and production studio, located at Bates Mill, Huddersfield a former textile mill and now offering a mixed use occupancy of artists designers and light industry. DRU provides 3000 sq ft of open studio space for creative research and development and programmes a variety of publ;ic and research dissemination events in partnership with curators and venues. DRU supports the collaborative and partnered R&D of an international group of artists and designers, and creative and digital industries companies, as well as cultural organisations, social enterprises and individual researchers. DRU has been developed through the support of University of Huddersfield, Yorkshire Forward, Media Centre Network, Interdisciplinary Arts, Arts Council England and European Union, and is currently supported by Arts Council England, Higher Education Innovation Fund. Individual research and projects are supported by NESTA, AHRC and the EPSRC and Arts Council England.