Arts Faculty News
Early Alistair Cooke Episodes found on B-side of Old Opera Recordings
Early Alistair Cooke episodes found on B-side of old opera recordings
The Head of the History Department, Professor Tim Lockley MBE, features in a Times article about the discovery of three complete and two partial copies of Alistair Cooke’s famous ‘Letter from America’ series, dating from the late 1940s and the early 1950s, which were missing from the BBC archives.
Read the article in full here.
Prof Lockley has also been interviewed by Vic Minnett of BBC CWR for their feature ‘Vicapedia’ discussing why cricketers wear white jumpers.
Listen again on BBC Sounds from 2:40.
RSC to research AI through creative clusters funding
Liverpool and the West Midlands join nine existing regions to receive government-backed investment as part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Creative Industries Clusters programme.
New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Sustainable Practices in European Film and TV Industry
A new report, Greening European Film Policy: Towards a Sustainable European Film and Television Industry, has been released, emphasising the critical role of collaboration between academics, industry leaders, and policymakers in addressing the environmental impact of Europe’s film and television sectors.
The report underscores the importance of applying research in driving policy shifts and industry best practices toward sustainability.
Co-authored by environmental media experts Pietari Kääpä (University of Warwick) and Hunter Vaughan (Emerson College/Cambridge), the report presents a comprehensive analysis of current practices, highlights areas for improvement, and outlines actionable recommendations for industry-wide transformation.
Professor Pietari Kaapa from the Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies at the University of Warwick, explained: "We’re at a pivotal moment where academic research can directly inform and support industry practices, and that’s why working closely with production companies and policymakers is essential.
“This report offers a roadmap to help the industry embrace sustainable practices and align with broader environmental goals."
Drawing from detailed surveys and consultations with industry insiders, the report highlights both success stories and challenges across European nations.
Best practices include the implementation of energy-efficient production techniques, reduction of waste, and the integration of sustainable materials in film and TV sets. However, the report also identifies significant needs, such as stronger support structures for smaller production companies and more consistent application of sustainability standards across the continent.
Dr Hunter Vaughan added, "We’ve seen real progress in certain areas, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed, particularly in the way sustainability practices are implemented across different regions.
"Our goal with this report is to offer clear, practical steps that can be applied at every level—from small independent productions to large-scale international projects."
The report advocates for a series of industry-focused solutions, such as:
· Collaborative policy development between academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to ensure consistent sustainability standards
· Increased support for industry training and development, particularly for small and medium-sized productions
· Independent third-party audits to ensure transparency and accountability in sustainable practices
· Graduate student initiatives, aimed at equipping the next generation of media professionals with the tools and knowledge to lead the industry’s sustainability efforts
The report is the culmination of over five years of work by the Global Green Media Network (GGMN), a collective of academics, sustainability experts, and industry professionals committed to advancing sustainable media production practices.
By bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice, GGMN aims to empower future media professionals to drive sustainable change within the audiovisual sector.
Produced in collaboration with key organisations, including Green Eyes (Hungary), Ecomuvi (Italy), Film London (UK), Screen Greening (Ireland), and Neptune Environmental (UK), the report calls for continued partnership and dialogue between academia, industry, and policymakers to achieve meaningful progress in the years ahead.
For more information and to read the full Greening European Film Policy report, visit the Global Green Media Network.
Warwick Shaping the Path from A-levels to New Passions
Meet Tanisha Bhatara (BA, English Literature, 2022; MSc, Management, 2024), a distinguished alumna. Her journey at Warwick, shaped by her A-level experiences, and several leaps of faith, led her from English studies to Business. Guided by mentors, she explored new fields and is now on a graduation scheme with EY UKI (Ernst & Young Global Limited UK and Ireland) Assurance Graduate Programme to become a qualified accountant. Discover how Tanisha embraced Warwick’s opportunities, gaining a comprehensive education that prepared her for life beyond academics.
Work experience at Warwick inspires the next generation of engineers and artists
The University of Warwick has launched a new multi subject work experience programme to inspire the next generation of engineers and artists.
The programme welcomed 80 Year 10 students across multiple disciplines for a week long programme, collaborating to design innovative projects from festivals to factory systems.
The programme was launched by The University of Warwick’s Widening Participation team, alongside Warwick Manufacturing Group Outreach, the Faculty of Arts, and Warwick Arts Centre.
Faculty of Arts Director of Administration to Retire
Dear Colleagues,
I want to let you know that Diana Stonefield, Faculty of Arts Director of Administration, will be retiring and leaving the University at the end of September 2024. Her last working day will be September 17th.
I know everyone will want to join me in offering Diana our heartfelt thanks for all of the incredible work she has done since she arrived at Warwick in 2016. Diana worked closely with Professor Penny Roberts, our previous Vice-Provost and Chair of Faculty, to bring the FAB project to successful completion and was instrumental in the mammoth task of bringing us into the building. She was also central to bringing the Arts community through the Covid pandemic and other challenges we have encountered over the last few years.
She has been an amazing support to me as I’ve come into this role and I shall miss her collegiality, pragmatic counsel and good humour very much. Please do join me in wishing her the happiest of retirements and sending her our fondest thoughts for the next phase!
With best wishes,
Rachel
Professor Rachel Moseley
Vice Provost and Chair, Faculty of Arts
Christine's Journey in Art, History and Research
Christine works as a gallery tour guide, librarian and researcher at Compton Verney Art Gallery, They draw on inspiration from their enriching experience as a mature student at Warwick.
Alumni Transforming Second Hand Fashion Through AI
Warwick alumni are working with Selfridges and Depop to transform the second hand clothing market.
Rare Hilliard portrait discovered of ‘England’s Lost Queen
A previously unknown portrait of a noblewoman known as ‘England’s lost queen’ has been discovered by art historians Elizabeth Goldring, of the University of Warwick’s Centre for the Study of the Renaissance, and Emma Rutherford.