Humans of Warwick - Professor Jonothan Neelands

Professor Jonothan Neelands

Academic Director, Cultural Partnerships & Professor of Creative Education, WBS

“I’ve been here for over half of the University’s 60 years, and it still feels like the most creative place I could be.”

“I came to Warwick in 1991 to join the Arts Education Department under Sir Ken Robinson’s leadership. It was irresistible, a place where drama, imagination and learning came together to change lives. We trained drama teachers and built an international master’s programme that attracted students from across the world.

My work has always explored how creativity drives change. Leading projects such as the Open Space Learning initiative and the Warwick Commission on the Future of Cultural Value, has helped shape how the UK understands the social and economic impact of culture.

When I was asked by Vikki Heywood, who was a Commissioner, and Chair of the Warwick Commission, to ‘come back to Coventry and walk the talk.’ I did! Over the past decade, I’ve helped to develop the city’s cultural strategy, the successful bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, and it’s legacy. On the back of all this, I now advise local and national governments on how major cultural and sporting events can transform communities.

I also sit on the board of directors for the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, recently becoming Chair. It’s not just for plays and performances, it’s a meeting place for the community where people gather. The theatre has a long and distinguished history and I’m looking forward to supporting the team deliver their creative vision. My passion for theatre and learning also led to the forming of a close partnership with the University and the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is still thriving today.

What connects it all is a simple belief, that creativity can change lives. I’m proud to lead Warwick’s Cultural Strategy. Building up partnerships with both professional and academic colleagues across faculties and services to embed culture in our research, teaching and community engagement. Working with so many inspiring colleagues and partners across the campus and region keeps me youthful and vibrant!

I’ve always experienced Warwick as an incredibly creative, inventive, entrepreneurial and risk-taking university. And yes, I love our newest arrival on the Piazza, the pink goose by artist David Speed. It’s a perfect reminder of what makes this place special, imagination, colour and courage.

I’ve been very fortunate to have such a wide and varied career and I’m sure that I would never have been given that freedom anywhere else. Thirty-four years is a long time to stay in one place, but when you’re encouraged to take the initiative and make things happen, why would you leave!”