Arts Faculty News
Community film project puts LGBTQIA+ end-of-life stories in the spotlight
A powerful new community film project from The University of Warwick is inviting LGBTQIA+ people in the Midlands with a terminal diagnosis, and those close to them, to share their stories on camera. The project is led by Michele Aaron, Professor of Film and Television Studies at The University of Warwick, who hopes the films can help make end-of-life care more inclusive.
Warwickshire LGBTQ+ people asked to share end of life stories - BBC News
ECLS PGR Awarded IASH Postdoctoral Digital Humanities Fellowship
Raad Khair Allah received an IASH Postdoctoral Digital Humanities Fellowship from the University of Edinburgh to work on Contemporary Arab Diasporas: Reimagining Nationhood in Arab Cultural and Digital Feminism, an interdisciplinary digital project that examines the literary and artistic contributions of Syrian and Palestinian women in the Western diaspora since the 1970s to nation-building.
By investigating how women leverage AI tools, such as Canva and Soundtrap, to create art, music, and literature that reflect their unique perspectives, her project highlights the interplay between transnational connections and their distinctive diaspora experience. It shows the relationship between the arts, technology, and society through showcasing how these elements interactively shape and influence nation-making narratives
By combining close readings with AI tools like Voyant Tools and Google Vision, the project reveals patterns and insights in cultural productions that traditional methods may overlook. This project will develop a searchable online database that serves as a comprehensive and accessible resource for researchers, educators, public engagement, and policymakers.
High Sheriff honours University of Warwick Professor
Nadine Holdsworth, Professor of Theatre and Performance at The University of Warwick, was presented with the High Sheriff’s award at a special ceremony last night (19 March), where her achievements were celebrated in style, alongside other worthy recipients from across the region.
Nadine received the award in recognition of her unwavering commitment, empathy, and leadership on behalf of Coventry-based community theatre company Underground Lights, a group run for and by people experiencing homelessness, mental distress, or social isolation. The value of Nadine’s research impact achieved while working with global charity Arts & Homelessness International was also acclaimed, where she led local initiatives to platform the work of several artists experiencing homelessness, and foster confidence and community among people who have been marginalised within society.
Professor Nadine Holdsworth said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to receive this award. It is especially heartening to know that the creative organisations I work with value what I have been able to contribute by supporting and showcasing the wonderful work they do with people who have experienced often multiple disadvantages in society.”
At the awards ceremony, the High Sheriff spoke of how Nadine has been pivotal in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where disadvantaged people can engage in theatre and creative expression. He outlined how her work has made a lasting difference and embodies the true spirit of community service. Nadine was described as uniquely bridging the gap between high-level academia in one of the UK's top universities while also being a hands-on community changemaker.
Douglas Wright MBE, the West Midlands High Sheriff, said: “This event is a wonderful opportunity to honour Nadine’s hard work and commitment to making a difference in our community - congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Nadine’s efforts inspire those around her, and we are excited to celebrate her accomplishments.”
Nadine’s work with the Coventry and Warwickshire community has been supported by the Warwick Institute of Engagement.
Midlands Universities Receive Research Awards to Encourage Collaboration and Excellence in Arts and Humanities
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has announced that The University of Warwick along with six other higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Midlands, will receive Doctoral Landscape Awards.
These prestigious funding awards, which reflect the HEIs’ successes in Arts and Humanities research and research supervision, are for scholarships for arts and humanities doctoral study.
The Universities of Warwick, Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Birmingham City University, DeMontfort University and Coventry University, have all secured Doctoral Landscape Awards, enabling these leading Midlands institutions to continue to build on the thriving relationship and collaborative community of doctoral students producing world-class arts and humanities research.
Professor Rachel Moseley, Vice Provost and Chair of Faculty of Arts, said: "The University of Warwick is delighted to receive AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards, which will help us to keep attracting the best home and international students across the arts and humanities. We look forward to future announcements about Doctoral Focal Awards, and will continue to support AHRC-remit disciplines, not least by building new collaborations with external partners."
Only 50 universities across the UK have received the funding which has been allocated through a formula-based approach. Each institutional award will support 15 full-time PhD students, with studentships starting in October 2026 – three per year, over a five-year period – and will contribute towards the AHRC’s three-fold strategy for post-graduate research funding, alongside Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships and Doctoral Focal Awards.
All institutions receiving Doctoral Landscape Awards will be part of an AHRC-supported regional Hub.
Professor David Lambert, the Director of the Centre for Arts Doctoral Research Excellence, will be leading the new Midlands Hub at Warwick. He said, "I am really pleased that Warwick will remain at the heart of the relationships we have built as part of Midlands4Cities, as we continue to collaborate in supporting our PhD students, share best practice and work with external partners in the region and beyond."
AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith, said: “The AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities. They will support the development of talented people and, alongside our other doctoral schemes, contribute to a vibrant, diverse and internationally-attractive research and innovation system.”
Find out more about The University of Warwick’s Centre for Arts Doctoral Research Excellent here: Faculty of Arts DTC (CADRE)
ENDS
For further information contact:
Helen Annetts
Media & Communications Officer (Press Office)
Helen.Annetts@Warwick.ac.uk / 07779 026720
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it's currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funds world-class, independent research in subjects from philosophy and the creative industries, to art conservation and product design.
AHRC research addresses some of society’s biggest challenges, such as tackling modern slavery, exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, and understanding what it is to be human. See the full range of AHRC research here: remit, programmes and priorities page.
Wild Warwick Exhibition now live!
The Wild Warwick Exhibition is now live in the Faculty of Arts Building.
This exhibition celebrates nature through art. Running at the FAB until Friday 24 January, this vibrant showcase displays beautiful photos, paintings, poems and even crochet designs, created by staff and students inspired by Warwick's wildlife.
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.