Community-University Partnerships in the Arts and Humanities
About the event
The event will bring together academics, regional policymakers from the West Midlands, and community members to consider how universities and communities can work together more effectively to use arts and humanities research in ways that genuinely benefit the region.
Drawing on the findings of the University of Warwick’s Community-University Partnerships ProjectLink opens in a new window, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore how we can build reciprocal and sustainable community-university partnerships that thrive and endure, while driving real impact at a local and regional level.
When: 18 November 2026
Time: 1.30-4.30pm
Location: Faculty of Arts Building - Room 5.03
Campus information
Agenda
| 1.30 | Arrival and refreshments |
| 1.45 | Opening |
| 2.00 | Session 1 – Case Studies: hearing from academics and local community members about their experiences of community-university partnerships |
| 3.00 | Break and refreshments |
| 3.15 | Session 2 – Interactive Workshop: participants share their own experiences and perspectives and map together best practices and how best to support them |
| 4.15 | Final remarks |
| 4.30 | Close |
Speakers
Jonathan Benjamin - West Midlands Police
Sergeant Jonathan Benjamin has been awarded a Warwick Policy Hub Fellowship. He has been working with Professor Jackie Hodgson (Law), Dr Rachel Lewis (Sociology) and Dr Ruth Bernatek (Law) on their research and impact work using innovative arts-led approaches to challenge racist attitudes and behaviours within the police.
Beth Fiducia-Brookes - Underground Lights Community Theatre
Beth is an applied theatre practitioner who strongly believes in the power of the arts. Beth facilitates creative, participant-led projects for different community groups, often for people who are hidden from view.
Paul Roberts, Warwick District Council
Paul is responsible for the overall management of Warwick District council's Arts Section. Paul's role is to inspire residents and visitors to the area by creating opportunities for them to participate in or attend arts activities.
Johnathan Branson, Warwick District Council
Johnathan is responsible for increasing attendance and participation in the Arts within the District and developing its creative infrastructure. His role includes service development, strategic partnerships, project management, reporting and monitoring, and arts marketing.
Jamie Larkin, University of Warwick
Jamie interests have turned to how museums are responding to the unfolding climate crisis. An initial segue into this area has been to think about how museum shops can become more sustainable.
