Arts Faculty News

The University of Warwick and the University of Leeds have together secured one of only 10 prestigious Doctoral Focal Awards from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Award will fund 20 PhD scholarships focused on the creative economy, with a specific emphasis on sustainability and diversity in the screen industries.

Led at Warwick by Dr David Wright, Director of Graduate Studies in the Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies with Dr Sanjay Sharma (Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies) and overall by Professor Joanne Garde-Hansen, Head of the School of Media and Communication with Professor Anamik Saha (Professor of Race and Media) at Leeds, the Creative Bridges partnership will run from 2026 until 2033. It will train a new generation of interdisciplinary researcher-practitioners to work alongside – and within – the film, television, games and immersive media sectors.

As the screen industries increasingly look beyond London for talent, for research capacity and fresh perspectives, Creative Bridges draws on the established screen media clusters in Yorkshire and the Midlands to connect academic and industry expertise.

Through active collaborations with organisations from across the film, television, gaming and immersive media sectors, the programme will offer a model for how universities and creative industries can work together more effectively across both regional and disciplinary boundaries.

Throughout the programme there will be a specific focus on two of the sector’s most pressing challenges – sustainability and diversity. Aligning with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy (2025) that identifies the Creative Industries as one of eight sectors driving future growth, the programme highlights the need to expand and diversify the talent pipeline and spotlights projects that exemplify the drive to net zero.

Creative Bridges will provide partners and researchers in our regions with the space, time and resources to reflect on how to meet these ambitions. The programme also aims to build on AHRC’s investments in redefining doctoral training in the arts and humanities, producing researchers who can make an impact beyond academia.

Professor Rachel Moseley, Vice Provost and Chair of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Warwick, said: “Creative Bridges is a bold and timely reimagining of doctoral research in the arts and humanities. By connecting regions, sectors and disciplines, this partnership will enable doctoral students to engage directly with the pressing strategic challenges facing today’s screen industries, from building a more inclusive workforce to driving environmental sustainability.

With strong regional ties to the creative economy and deep links across industry, both Warwick and Leeds are well placed to support this shift. We are proud to be creating new opportunities for UK-based talent to work in collaboration with screen industry partners, contributing fresh thinking and vital research capacity where it’s most needed.”

Professor Joanne Garde-Hansen, Head of the School of Media and Communication at the University of Leeds said: “Creative Bridges is an exciting opportunity to connect two of the UK’s most dynamic creative regions – Yorkshire and the Midlands – and to co-create a future-facing research training environment with industry partners. Our goal is to rethink how we train researchers for, and with, the creative industries, and to ensure that the next generation of scholars are equipped to respond to the critical challenges of sustainability and diversity in screen culture.

“The award also responds directly to concerns raised by AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith earlier this year about the lack of AHRC-funded PhDs focused on the creative industries. With Creative Bridges, Warwick and Leeds are not only addressing that gap – they are reasserting the vital role of arts and humanities research in shaping the future of screen-based cultures.”

Professor Andrew Thorpe, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures at the University of Leeds, said: "This award underlines the University’s commitment to working across disciplines and sectors to support research that makes a real-world difference, in this case contributing specifically to diversity and sustainability initiatives and to the UK’s creative sectors. The screen industries are a vital part of the UK’s creative economy, and I am delighted that this partnership will give Leeds-based researchers the opportunity to help shape their future."

The AHRC’S Professor Christopher Smith said: “Introducing Focal Awards allows us to support cohorts of students in centres for excellence for strategically valuable areas such as health and the creative economy. In the future this approach will allow us, in consultation with the sector, to provide support where it is needed to disciplines across the arts and humanities, vital skills and digital humanities. But the scope for individual projects is wide and autonomy for researchers remains as important as ever.

“The Focal Awards exemplify AHRC’s approach to doctoral training and our ambition for a sustainable portfolio providing support for training, investigator-led research, strategic direction and building the infrastructure necessary for people and ideas for the future of arts and humanities.”

Sonny Hanley, Director of ITV Academy, one of the partner organisations for Creative Bridges, said: “For ITV Academy, working with the Universities of Leeds and Warwick through Creative Bridges allows us to shape the questions and the challenges we would like the next generation of researchers to focus on. In a rapidly changing media environment, we can work collaboratively on diverse cutting-edge projects that will benefit who we are and what we do, and ensure we are ready for the future.”

Recruitment is due to begin in Autumn 2025.

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Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Ann Baylis, Media & Communications Officer

ann.baylis@warwick.ac.uk/ 07876 876 937

General and out of hours press office number +44 (0)7392 125605 (please call as emails are not checked out of office hours)

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.