Community & Public Engagement
Supporting the cultural growth of our region is a key part of our ambition to make our region a better place for those who study, live and work here.
Warwick Arts CentreLink opens in a new window is using cultural activities to develop cultural capital and engagement in four neighbourhoods in Coventry (Foleshill, Hillfields, Canley and Tile Hill) as well as developing youth leadership skills. Warwick Institute of EngagementLink opens in a new window is connecting local people with our research through public lectures, exhibitions and other activities.
All these cultural collaborations are helping us to build new partnerships and strengthen our regional and community engagement.
Planting RootsLink opens in a new window
This eight month project was a collaboration between Warwick Arts Centre, the Warwick Institute of Engagement and Foleshill Community Centre. Inspired by the Community Centre’s new medicinal garden, art and science came together in 12 creative workshops and events guided by community ideas.
After a Harvest Festival at the Community Centre, the project concluded with the Planting Roots Festival Day, taking place at the Warwick Arts Centre with a range of workshops, performances and hands-on activities.
Coventry BiennialLink opens in a new window
We’ve collaborated with the Coventry Biennial to build relationships between artists and researchers that transform artistic practice and move research forward, bringing it to new audiences.
For the 2023 Biennial, Professor Graeme Macdonald was paired with the painter Paul Lemmon, producing a work that imagined the climate future of our city.
Youth Leadership CollectiveLink opens in a new window
Warwick Arts Centre launched the Youth Leadership Collective in partnership with YMCA Heart of England and Positive Youth Foundation. Nine young people (age 15-22) from traditionally underserved neighbourhoods and backgrounds are being provided with leadership skills development.
The stakeholders are working together to deliver change for young people in Coventry. Positive outcomes so far include increased confidence by the young people to go onto further study.
“I felt like everyone, including the staff, listened well to ideas and suggestions. It felt like for once in my life, I had a voice.” Youth Leadership Collective member.
The Resonate Festival of Arts and CultureLink opens in a new window
On 2 June 2024, we held the first Resonate Festival of Arts and Culture Day Out! on campus. Over 600 members of the public attended workshops, performances and creative activities facilitated by over 200 students, staff and community partners. This festival was interdisciplinary, with academics, students and staff from across all three faculties sharing their work, alongside external partners.
With a theme of World Culture, we explored culture and creativity from across the world at this fun, festival-style day for all ages, which included Samba music workshops, Yanvalou dance lessons, and Chinese calligraphy. We also hosted the museum of climate stories to explore the ‘objects’ in our environment and discover the stories they tell.