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Creative Communities

Lead Research Organisation: Northumbria University
Department Name: Fac of Arts, Design and Social Sciences

Abstract

The proposal set out below for a 2 + 1 model investment in a programme of activities which collectively contribute to the AHRC Creative Communities delivery programme.

The AHRC Creative Communities programme will develop the potential for arts and humanities in fostering and enabling creative communities. Its mission is to capture the inspiring explosion of collaboration and connectivity that can unlock the full potential of our great arts and culture to create a stronger, fairer economy and society across the regions and nations of the UK.

Building on our Boundless Creativity project with DCMS , this new programme will lead significant outward facing research and engagement work to unite the AHRC quartiles of vision in new discovery research to generate impactful public policy recommendations and to inform future funding and organisational strategy.

Any longer-term and larger scale interventions within and/or beyond the timeline of the proposal will be subject to ongoing spending developments; however, 2 + 1 programme of activities is phased and is designed to realise benefits whether additional resources are available to pursue extended ambitions.
 
Description The AHRC Creative Communities programme explores how co-created culture can enhance belonging, address regional inequality, deliver devolution, and break down barriers to opportunity with communities in devolved settings across all 4 nations of the UK.
In 2023 the programme published 'By All, For All: The Power of Partnership' - a deep dive report that provided a robust evidence base to highlight best practice partnership working, bridge knowledge gaps and mapped a decade of AHRC data for the first time in order to explore community, co-creation and partnership working. The report makes a number of initial recommendations and raises questions for policy-led research agendas.
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The report identified a need for new learning about the process of co-creation, not just its outputs; about how R&D can test new ideas and approaches to creating, sharing, and using knowledge to tackle shared challenges; and how to unlock the agency of communities and cross-sector partners for overcoming inequity and creating networks. To address this, the report recommended a targeted investment to pilot Community Innovation Practitioners (CIPs) in place-based R&D to learn more about co-creation in collaborative cross-sector research.
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The Community Innovation Practitioner Awards 2023-24 were a pilot funding award that embedded 5 CIPs in collaborative cross-sector research from September 2023 to September 2024. Working in all four nations of the UK, the CIPs collaborated with cross-sector partners to capture vital new knowledge about co-creation methodologies and the roles of communities and non-academic partners promoting more inclusive models of innovation. Their findings were published in October 2024 via research and sector-facing narrative case study reports; devolved and central government-facing policy papers; and a public-facing podcast series that celebrates partner and community voices.
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The CIPs core aims were to Build Community Capacity & Capability to participate in co-creation and partnership in community-engaged arts & humanities RD&I; enhance partnerships and relationships to enable co-creation and partnership in community-engaged arts & humanities RD&I; capture innovative practice and processes in co-creation and partnership in community-engaged arts & humanities RD&I, and generate new learning on how funding bodies can better devolve funding and enable inclusive innovation in community-engaged arts & humanities RD&I; and inform devolved policy and practice in the three devolved nations of the UK and MCAs in England.
The five CIPs were Georgina Aasgaard, working with the University of Liverpool AHRC IAA, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust in the Liverpool City Region; Áine Brady, working with the Queens University Belfast AHRC IAA, Queen's Communities and Place and the Market Development Association; Alexander Langlands, working with the Swansea University AHRC IAA, Centre for Heritage Research and Training Swansea University and Craig Gwladus Country Park; Jim Donaghey, working with the Ulster University AHRC IAA and Causeway Association of Sports; and Gaston Welisch, working with the University of Glasgow AHRC IAA and the Glasgow School of Arts College of Arts & Humanities Partnership Catalyst.
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The five CIPs concluded their work in October 2024, and major impacts of their work include £3.1m in follow-on funding; £58,775 match funding; £29,131 in-kind contributions;19 publications and presentations; 115 engaged workshop participants; 9 professional experiences created; and 78 co-creation workshops (including creative activities (musical performance, poetry, and drama), technical skills (stone masonry, carpentry, podcasting), research skills (data collection, mapping, analysis), and soft skills (communication, confidence, public speaking and performance)).
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The CIP Awards 2023-24 garnered significant interest from organisations including Creative Ireland, UNESCO and Arts Council England as well as Mayoral Combined Authorities. This highlights the potential for the CIP model to be replicated and adapted in a variety of contexts. The accessible nature of the CIP Awards 2023/24 research outputs, and through future encouragement of CIP ownership of network activities, the CIP Awards 2025/26 can continue to evolve and deliver invaluable insight into how and why engaging cross-sector partners in research, and communities as research partners, can enhance the quality, resilience, and sustainability of our research ecosystem.
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A major impact of the 2023-24 CIP success is the plans to award up to 10 new CIPs via a 2025-26 round of awards, via AHRC extension funding. The awards will be offered at £75k (100% fEC) to maximise inclusivity. These CIP awards will no longer be ring-fenced to AHRC IAA Award HEIs or IROs, but instead will apply from devolved nations of the UK or Mayoral Combined Authorities across England. The new CIPs will start in October 2025 for 12 months, working to capture knowledge about the roles of communities and partnerships in growing new cultural RD&I in devolved settings.
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Findings from the 'By All, For All' report shaped the development of core programme pillars (Health and Wellbeing; Environment; Civic Identity; Belonging; Skills) which sit at the heart of all Creative Communities workstreams. The programme's series of Policy Labs was hosted across 2024, with 5 Policy Lab events each matching a programme pillar theme to a devolved national or regional government: Health and Wellbeing - Scotland (January 2024); Environment - Wales (March 2024); Civic Identity - Northern Ireland (March 2024); Belonging - North East MSA (September 2024); Skills - London GA (September 2024). For each Policy Lab the AHRC Creative Communities team mobilised novel co-creation methods and creative facilitation techniques to facilitate new solution suggestions for maximising growth and capturing the value of culture across the UK. Each lab convened a cross-sector group of stakeholders including policymakers, all sectors, industry practitioners, community participants and young people in order to iteratively co-develop policy solution suggestions.
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Early impacts from the Policy Labs include a Motion to Scottish Parliament submitted by Edinburgh MSP Foysol Choudhury; change in Policy Lab participant knowledge about policy making - a documented 12% increase in understanding; change in Policy Lab participant opinion about creative facilitation - a documented 16% increase in positive opinion; and the development of key facilitation skills in the AHRC Creative Communities team. Full evaluation of the Policy Labs will be published in a graphic-designed report on the programme's website after delivery to the funders.
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Findings and suggestions from the Labs have informed new Devolution Policy Papers. Draft papers are being creatively co-developed with central and devolved governments via Policy Sprint events in Winter 2024-25 (Wales Innovation Network, December 2024; Scottish Parliament, January 2025; Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Communities, February 2024; and the HM Treasury, Dept for Business and Trade and DCMS at the Darlington Economic Campus, March 2025), ahead of formal recommendations that are due to be published in Spring 2025. These papers will generate recommendations to inform the strategic development of policy planning across sectors, regions and nations and inform the development of the future Co-Lab Policy Network Awards 2025-27 (funding stream due for launch in AHRC Creative Communities extension phase, 2025-27).
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In addition to core programme working, the AHRC Creative Communities have also led on collaborative projects with additional funding. 'Culture Connect: Open Access Data Observatory for Devolved Culture Informatics' is the first Open Access Data Observatory for culture in devolved settings. Funded by DCMS CSA R&D with match from the North East CA and delivered with support from UKRI, Arts Council England and Northumbria University, the DO provides place-based visualisations of culture spend, participation and engagement data to inform devolved CCI policy making and investment in Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authorities.
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The Culture Connect DO model is being used to inform the Bradford City of Culture 2025 DO, in the West Yorkshire CA, to help capture the benefits of hosting City of Culture in a devolved region and create efficiencies in public spend. Early impacts from this work are the development of a novel taxonomy for defining cultural activity; interest in applying the DO model to libraries data; and agreement from the North East CA Data and Insights team to host the DO longer term, with handover to take place 18 March 2025.
The AHRC Creative Communities programme team are also working collaboratively on the project 'Scaling Pan-UKRI Approaches to Public Engagement'. Drawing on the innovative mapping work completed for the 'By All, For All' report, in which 10 years of AHRC data was mapped and analysed for the first time, this project will consider 10 years of historic cross-Council UKRI with the same methods. Data analysis is led by a team of specialists at the NCCPE (National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement) and the final report will be published in Spring 2025. Backed up by a detailed literature review of Public Engagement and scoping discussions with cross-Council specialists, this project will generate a transformative understanding of public engagement practices, spotlight best practices in inclusive innovation and form recommendations for funders and policymakers.
Exploitation Route The AHRC Creative Communities programme continues into 2025-27 after being granted extension funding by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The programme will continue to iteratively develop novel methods (like the co-creative facilitation from Policy Lab events), bespoke awarding (see the Community Innovation Practitioners 2025-26 and the future Co-Labs Network Awards) and share learning with policymakers, funders and cross-sector audiences across the UK.
Sectors Communities and Social Services/Policy

Creative Economy

Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software)

Leisure Activities

including Sports

Recreation and Tourism

Culture

Heritage

Museums and Collections
URL http://www.creativecommunities.uk
 
Description Findings from the Creative Innovation Practitioner Awards 2023-24 have had direct impacts in the CIPs' communities, with their partner organisations and for their host HEI or IROs. - A total of 78 co-creation workshops were held across all CIP research activities, with a total attendance of 115 community members. These workshops included skills development which ranged from creative activities (musical performance, poetry, and drama), technical skills (stone masonry, carpentry, podcasting), research skills (data collection, mapping, analysis), and soft skills (communication, confidence, public speaking and performance). The intersection of these skills is documented in the CIP case studies and Creative Communities podcast series, with the podcast being a particularly powerful vehicle for sharing the perspectives of community members in terms of how this work has directly impacted them. CIP research activities and engagement methods consistently aimed to give community and partner participants ownership of activities, which was an approach that helped galvanise community support and bring in greater community participation in the research. - The AHRC Creative Communities programme continues into 2025-27 after being granted extension funding by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The programme will continue to iteratively develop our findings - including novel methods (like the co-creative facilitation from Policy Lab events), bespoke awarding schemes (see the Community Innovation Practitioners 2025-26 and the future Co-Labs Network Awards) and methods of sharing learning with policymakers, funders and cross-sector audiences across the UK.
Sector Communities and Social Services/Policy,Creative Economy,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
Impact Types Cultural

Societal

Policy & public services
 
Description Prof Katy Shaw - DCMS College of Experts
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Scottish Parliament Motion - Arts and Humanities Research Council Creative Communities Policy Lab
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
URL https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-12459
 
Description Creative Communities Phase Two
Amount £470,851 (GBP)
Organisation Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2023 
End 06/2025
 
Description Scaling Pan-UKRI Approaches to Public Engagement
Amount £150,453 (GBP)
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2024 
End 03/2025
 
Description Culture Connect - Arts Council England 
Organisation Arts Council England
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Prof Katy Shaw, Director of the AHRC Creative Communities programme led the development of the Culture Connect Data Observatory project from Northumbria University, in collaboration with the North East Combined Authority. The project was funded by DCMS R&D funds delivered via the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Prof Katy Shaw oversaw co-design, iterative development and eventual handover of the data observatory. This included tendering and overseeing development by partner companies TPX Impact and Open Innovations. Prof Katy Shaw will write an evaluation report to share findings from the project and share developments at a future DCMS Cultural Data Summit event.
Collaborator Contribution Art Council England Data & Insights team members joined the steering group for Culture Connect over the course of several months to lend guidance, expertise and valuable data validation.
Impact Culture Connect Data Observatory - final URL tbc 2025 Culture Connect evaluation report - tbc 2025
Start Year 2024
 
Description Culture Connect - DCMS 
Organisation Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Prof Katy Shaw, Director of the AHRC Creative Communities programme led the development of the Culture Connect Data Observatory project from Northumbria University, in collaboration with the North East Combined Authority. The project was funded by DCMS R&D funds delivered via the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Prof Katy Shaw oversaw co-design, iterative development and eventual handover of the data observatory. This included tendering and overseeing development by partner companies TPX Impact and Open Innovations. Prof Katy Shaw will write an evaluation report to share findings from the project and share developments at a future DCMS Cultural Data Summit event.
Collaborator Contribution DCMS members contributed to the development of the Culture Connect Data Observatory project. - Prof Tom Crick, Chief Scientific Adviser at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) - Harman Sagger, Head Economist for Arts, Heritage and Tourism at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) - Leo Tarasov, R&D Science and Analysis Programme Manager at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) This research was supported by the R&D Science and Analysis Programme at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Any primary research, subsequent findings or recommendations do not represent Government views or policy.
Impact Culture Connect Data Observatory - final URL tbc 2025 Culture Connect evaluation report - tbc 2025
Start Year 2024
 
Description Culture Connect - North East CA 
Organisation North East Combined Authority
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Prof Katy Shaw, Director of the AHRC Creative Communities programme, led the development of the Culture Connect Data Observatory project from Northumbria University, in collaboration with the North East Combined Authority. The project was funded by DCMS R&D funds delivered via the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Prof Katy Shaw oversaw co-design, iterative development and eventual handover of the data observatory. This included tendering and overseeing development by partner companies TPX Impact and Open Innovations. Prof Katy Shaw will write an evaluation report to share findings from the project and share developments at a future DCMS Cultural Data Summit event.
Collaborator Contribution The North East Combined Authority made in-kind contributions to the research project Culture Connect in the form of a 0.5 FTE Project Manager, Sarah Hughes. This was overseen throughout by Mark Adamson, Principal Sectoral Growth and Delivery Manager, North East Combined Authority. North East CA co-led the development of the Culture Connect Data Observatory. The North East Combined Authority will take ownership of the Culture Connect Data Observatory at project close, hosting it as part of the CA's 'North East Evidence Hub' - a digital data repository for policymakers, researchers and cross-sector audiences.
Impact Culture Connect Data Observatory - final URL tbc 2025 Culture Connect evaluation report - tbc 2025
Start Year 2024
 
Description Scaling Pan-UKRI Approaches to Public Engagement - NCCPE 
Organisation National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The AHRC Creative Communities programme at Northumbria University is working with UKRI's Public Engagement team to conduct a rapid review of cross-council public engagement activities since 2020. This is led by Prof Katy Shaw who has overseen data sharing and analysis ahead of a final report.
Collaborator Contribution The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement have compiled a detailed literature review investigating concepts, methods, trends and patterns in public engagement research. This will inform analysis of 10 years of cross-Council UKRI funding data, which will be mapped for the first time. Analysis, learning and recommendations will inform a final report.
Impact NCCPE to create a series of public-facing interactive maps and report exploring 10 years of cross-Council UKRI funding data. The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement have compiled a detailed literature review investigating concepts, methods, trends and patterns in public engagement research.
Start Year 2024
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Belonging Policy Lab, North East (30.09.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Through a series of five policy labs, the programme team is working with cross-nation and cross-sector stakeholders and our five Community Innovation Practitioners to facilitate new solution suggestions for maximising growth and capturing the value of culture across the UK. The policy labs mobilise co-creation methods and generate recommendations that are co-authored to inform the strategic development of policy planning across sectors, regions and nations. Each lab will address one of the programme pillars and approach discussions through creative facilitation in the devolved policy context of its location - the North East lab focused on themes of Belonging. Changes to participant response, opinion and activity is being evaluated post-lab. Policy plans are being formulated in the regional context with further activity planned in 2024. The programme has hosted four other labs across the UK in 2024.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/north-east-policy-lab-belonging/
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Civic Identity + Belonging Policy Lab, Belfast (20.03.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Through a series of five policy labs, the programme team are working with cross-nation and cross-sector stakeholders and our five Community Innovation Practitioners to facilitate new solution suggestions for maximising growth and capturing the value of culture across the UK. The policy labs mobilise co-creation methods and generate recommendations that are co-authored to inform the strategic development of policy planning across sectors, regions and nations. Each lab will address one of the programme pillars and approach discussions through creative facilitation in the devolved policy context of its location - the Belast lab focused on themes of Civic Identity and Belonging. Changes to participant response, opinion and activity is being evaluated post-lab. Policy plans are being formulated in the regional context with further activity planned in 2024. The programme will host four further labs across the UK in 2024.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/northern-ireland-policy-lab/
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Community Innovation Practitioner 2023-24 Research Showcase Webinar (23.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact The CIP 23-24 research showcase was a closing event for the first cohort of Community Innovation Practitioners to reflect on their work into how creativity and innovation can drive positive change in communities. The CIP cohort shared innovative ideas and inspiring stories from their CIP research, and presented highlights from their co-created podcast series. This was recorded to YouTube and continues to garner views.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/watch-now-community-innovation-practitioner-2023-24-research-showcase...
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Creative Communities Podcast (07.09.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation can empower us to build stronger, more resilient communities across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Over six episodes, the Community Innovation Practitioners 2023-24 cohort deliver inspiring stories of change from across the UK, sharing findings and hearing directly from their communities and partners. The podcast has international reach and each episode was positively received by the funder, advisory board, CIP and CIP partners + communities. The podcast process was a key methodological intervention to allow the CIPS to develop ideas freely and collaboratively, consider the narrative arcs of their projects and develop key dissemination + inclusive innovation skills.

Episode 1 of the podcast was a preview of the Creative Communities podcast series. It introduced key voices and stories featured in the later episodes, and discussed how the power of creativity and co-creation in research is supercharging social change in our communities. It featured contributions by Christopher Smith and Kristine Zaidi (AHRC); Katy Shaw and Lauren Baker Mitchell (AHRC Creative Communities programme); members of our external Advisory Board; and the CIPs and communities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/cip-pilot-podcast/
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Environment Policy Lab, Cardiff (07.03.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Through a series of five policy labs, the programme team will work with cross-nation and cross-sector stakeholders and our five Community Innovation Practitioners to facilitate new solution suggestions for maximising growth and capturing the value of culture across the UK. The policy labs will mobilise co-creation methods and generate recommendations that are co-authored to inform the strategic development of policy planning across sectors, regions and nations. Each lab will address one of the programme pillars and approach discussions through creative facilitation in the devolved policy context of its location - the Cardiff lab focused on themes of Environement. Changes to participant response, opinion and activity is being evaluated post-lab by survey. Policy plans are being formulated in the regional context with further activity planned in 2024. The programme will host four other labs across the UK in 2024.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research_articles/creative-communities-policy-labs/
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Health and Wellbeing Policy Lab, Edinburgh (31.01.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Through a series of five policy labs, the programme team will work with cross-nation and cross-sector stakeholders and our five Community Innovation Practitioners to facilitate new solution suggestions for maximising growth and capturing the value of culture across the UK.

The policy labs will mobilise co-creation methods and generate recommendations that are co-authored to inform the strategic development of policy planning across sectors, regions and nations. Each lab will address one of the programme pillars and approach discussions through creative facilitation in the devolved policy context of its location - the Edinburgh lab focused on themes of Health and Wellbeing.

Changes to participant response, opinion and activity is being evaluated post-lab by survey. Policy plans are being formulated in the regional context with further activity planned in 2024. The programme will host four further labs across the UK in 2024.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research_articles/creative-communities-policy-labs/
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Scotland Policy Sprint (16.01.25) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The AHRC Creative Communities programme Scotland Policy Sprint was hosted with at the Scottish Parliament with support from Foysol Choudhury MSP in January 2025. The Creative Communities Policy Sprint events mobilise co-creation methods and creative facilitation to encourage cross-sector discussion, harness opportunities and tackle challenges using culture as a lever to unlock the potential of devolution.

The AHRC Creative Communities team shared policy proposals and recommendations on healthcare standards, social care, mental health improvement, and long-term wellbeing conditions. The Sprint sought to consider the specific Scottish policy contexts like the desire to build cross-nation perspectives, finding greater opportunities through devolution, and creating structures to harness good at local and regional levels.

The AHRC Creative Communities Policy Sprint was sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP. Foysol is a Scottish Labour politician who has been Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothian region since May 2021. He is Chairman of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council.

Findings from this event will inform policy recommendations in the upcoming Scotland Devolution Policy Provocation Paper.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Skills for Success in Cross-sector Collaboration Policy Lab, London (18.09.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Through a series of five policy labs, the programme team is working with cross-nation and cross-sector stakeholders and our five Community Innovation Practitioners to facilitate new solution suggestions for maximising growth and capturing the value of culture across the UK. The policy labs mobilise co-creation methods and generate recommendations that are co-authored to inform the strategic development of policy planning across sectors, regions and nations. Each lab will address one of the programme pillars and approach discussions through creative facilitation in the devolved policy context of its location - the London lab focused on themes of co-creation and digital skills. Changes to participant response, opinion and activity is being evaluated post-lab. Policy plans are being formulated in the regional context with further activity planned in 2024. The programme will host four other labs across the UK in 2024.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/london-policy-lab/
 
Description AHRC Creative Communities - Wales Policy Sprint (12.12.2024) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact The AHRC Creative Communities programme Wales Policy Sprint was hosted with the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) in December 2024. The Creative Communities Policy Sprint events mobilise co-creation methods and creative facilitation to encourage cross-sector discussion, harness opportunities and tackle challenges using culture as a lever to unlock the potential of devolution.

The Wales Innovation Network is a collaborative initiative set up to strengthen research and innovation in Wales, which facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, helps to form partnerships and shares infrastructure and expertise.

The AHRC Creative Communities team shared policy proposals and recommendations themed around the environment and net zero to a diverse range of stakeholders including policy makers, universities and researchers, funders, third and private sector organisations and community organisations.

The Sprint considered specific Welsh policy contexts, including opportunities created by the Future Generations Act, the Welsh language as an environmental resource, the ability of a small nation to move quickly and the need for multi-level local, devolved and national policy connections.

Findings from this event will inform policy recommendations in the upcoming Wales Devolution Policy Provocation Paper.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Andy Robson - Creative Collaborations: A Place & Community event (24.04.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Academic conference on the co-creation and collaborative partner working, useful for trailing report launch and subsequent CC activities as well as building existing network and visibility.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Andy Robson - Creative Lives Awards 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Andy Robson, Senior Impact Fellow, attend the Creative Lives 2023 awards event to socialise the Creative Communities programme and build further networks ahead of the deep dive report launch in May 2023.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Co-designing Culture: collaborative community design with Gaston Welisch in Glasgow (Scotland) - Creative Communities Podcast Episode #5 (07.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In this episode CIP Gaston Welisch from Glasgow School of Art explores how the University of Glasgow's Arts and Humanities Partnership Catalyst is fostering collaboration between academics and industry and third-sector partners. Gaston's use of creative methods has enhanced collaboration and understanding of Catalyst themes. The episode features members of the Catalyst team who have designed and tested this engaging and accessible research and the participants who are benefiting from this approach. It also features the most recent Catalyst project, which aims to revitalise Govan Old Church in Glasgow as a community hub, and Gaston delivers findings from his Community Innovation Practitioner journey through the Catalyst - covering the challenges, achieving valuable insights and genuine community engagement that will better design projects that truly reflect and service local needs.

The Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation can empower us to build stronger, more resilient communities across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Over six episodes, the Community Innovation Practitioners 2023-24 cohort deliver inspiring stories of change from across the UK, sharing findings and hearing directly from their communities and partners. The podcast has international reach and each episode was positively received by the funder, advisory board, CIP and CIP partners + communities. The podcast process was a key methodological intervention to allow the CIPS to develop ideas freely and collaboratively, consider the narrative arcs of their projects and develop key dissemination + inclusive innovation skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/cip-pilot-podcast/
 
Description Creative Communities team - Northumbria University Cultural Partners Faculty Workshop (11.07.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Creative Communities team were invited to present findings from the recent deep-dive report, 'By All, For All: The Power of Partnership' and an overview of the programme's phase two activites (policy development, CIPs, survey, etc).
The audience comprised of participants from third sector organisations who work with NU as Cultural Partners as well as academics from the institution.
The cultural partner org representatives were pleased with the report's findings, supportive of our plans for future activities, were engaged in particular with the survey plans, and keen in general terms to collaborate in future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Helen Apsey - Northumbria University Policy Engagement Research Showcase (04.12.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Helen Apsey, Policy Lead for AHRC Creative Communities delivered findings from the programme to more than policymakers, practitioners and academics at a Policy Engagement Showcase at Northumbria University.

Helen shared findings and co-creation methods from the AHRC Creative Communities programme, looking at how culture can enhance belonging, address regional inequality, deliver devolution, and break down barriers to opportunity with communities in devolved settings across all 4 nations of the UK.

The Policy Engagement Showcase explored innovative methods and best practice models of policy engagement from across the research landscape. The event was organised by Jenny Hasenfuss, Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE) Project Coordinator who spoke alongside CAPE Fellow Melissa Hawkins, the IMPACT+ Network's Alana James and other researchers. Plans have been made to continue participating in regional and local policy engagement + R&D networks as opportunities arise.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Helen Apsey - UPEN Arts & Humanities Fringe Event (13.05.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Helen Apsey participated in an online panel on 'Strengthening and Sustaining Arts and Humanities Research in Policy' alongside Prof Jane Winters from the School of Advanced Study, University of London, Sarah James of the West of England Combined Authority, and Emily Hopkins of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.
This event opened collaboration opportunities with policy and research programmes and professionals.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/upen-arts-humanities-fringe-event/
 
Description Katy Shaw - "Movers and Shakers Property Networking Forum AHRC 'The Creative Economy - A Key driver for UK Growth + the power for Better Places and Lives'" CI Property Summit (26.06.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw delivered findings from the AHRC Creative Communities programme to more than 250 industry leaders and future thinkers at the Movers & Shakers Creative Industries Property Summit 2024. The conference was themed around 'The Creative Economy - A key driver for UK Growth + the Power for Better Places and Lives'.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/creative-industries-property-summit-2024/
 
Description Katy Shaw - "The creative economy as a driver of economic growth for the North", Transport for the North podcast (25.09.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw participated as a guest on the Transport for the North podcast to discuss culture and the creative industries in the North East. This included delivering findings from the AHRC Creative Communities programme, considering devolution and discussing the industry limitations imposed by poor regional public transport.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpgQM5Hs9N4
 
Description Katy Shaw - 'Literature 2.0: The Politics of Writing and Reading in the Twenty-First Century' talk at META Politecnico Milano (19.07.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Katy Shaw delivered the talk 'Literature 2.0: The Politics of Writing and Reading in the Twenty-First Century' to META Politecnico Milano and took questions throughout on relevant subject areas from academic audiences
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - AHRC Intergenerational Justice Event (06.06.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact AHRC-hosted consultation event around a pre-call for Intergenerational Justice that opened discussion and relationships across academics, policy figures and third sector leader with an important focus on Welsh contexts
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - AHRC SMT longform Creative Communities report presentation (12.06.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw was invited to deliver findings from the AHRC-oriented longform Creative Communities deep dive report (2023). There was internal discussion with the SMT that generated useful feedback, future lines of enquiry and made new contacts for future engagements and/or potential collaboration.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - AHRC Strategic Delivery Plan: Webinar for researchers and staff working in Higher Education Institutions (10.10.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Participation in AHRC hosted session to outline and explained aspects of the AHRC Strategic Delivery Plan for an audience of researchers and staff working in Higher Education Institutions
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.ukri.org/events/ahrc-strategic-delivery-plan-webinar-higher-education-institutions/
 
Description Katy Shaw - Adobe Education Executive Roundtable: Empowering Tomorrow's Storytellers: How Institutions Harness Creativity in a Digital-First World (14.03.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Adobe Education Executive Roundtable
Prof Katy Shaw spoke as part of an expert panel of academics and thought leaders, students, and peers from across the UK and European education community. Plans were made for future activity and collaboration.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/aBzQv6YLW9iA0
 
Description Katy Shaw - Attended Westminster Media Forum policy conference: The role of arts and culture in levelling up regions and communities (28.11.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Opportunity to network, hear developments from policy and third sector organisations, socialise programme and develop future contacts
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/agenda/Arts-and-Culture-22-agenda.pdf
 
Description Katy Shaw - BBC Politics North TV Appearance (30.06.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact BBC Politics North is a flagship regional news programme that features weekly panel discussions and interviews.
Prof Katy Shaw was invited to discuss Cultural Levelling Up in a regional and national context, highlight findings from the Creative Communities report, and participate in broader discussion that was hosted by Richard Moss (BBC) and also featured contributions from Sharon Hodgson MP (Washington & Sunderland West MP) and Lord Kirkhope (Conservative Peer).

BBC Politics North typically reaches 90,000 live viewers and approximately 45,000 via BBC iPlayer in the first week.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001njkb/politics-north-north-east-and-cumbria-02072023
 
Description Katy Shaw - BBC Radio 4 'Any Questions' panel show appearance (01.07.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact BBC Radio 4 show 'Any Questions?' is a topical panel discussion themed loosely around politics, media and current affairs. Katy appeared on a panel with Richard Holden MP, Alison McGovern MP, and Seb Payne in a special episode hosted by Edward Stourton at Washington Academy, Tyne and Wear. This shows reaches a regular audience of 1.59 million in live listeners plus downloads.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0018p1v
 
Description Katy Shaw - British Academy Social and Cultural Infrastructure in the Creative & Cultural Industries Roundtable (13.02.25) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw was invited to chair a cross-sector roundtable event with colleagues at the British Academy to consider the role of the creative and cultural industries (CCI) in creating, supporting and enhancing social and cultural infrastructure to improve and sustain their local communities and places. This included an introduction drawing on findings from the AHRC Creative Communities programme.

This event is part of the British Academy's Social and Cultural Infrastructure programme and was organised by Policy Adviser Harriet Thompson, who had attended the AHRC Creative Communities North East Policy Lab in September 2024. Findings from this research activity will form a short synthesis report from the British Academy on Social and Cultural Infrastructure in the Creative and Cultural Industries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description Katy Shaw - British Academy: Universities as Social and Cultural Infrastructure: Linking Social and Cultural Infrastructure with R&D and Innovation (21.03.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A series of three roundtables focused on universities as social and cultural infrastructure, in conjunction with the National Civic Impact Accelerator programme (NCIA), took place over March-May 2024.
Prof Katy Shaw participated in the roundtable on 21 March 2024 and findings were collated into a Policy and Research Paper by the British Academy.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/universities-as-social-cultural-infrastructure-roun...
 
Description Katy Shaw - British Council Creative Industries Council (Stratford) meeting (10.05.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Used this broader British Council network meeting to socialise the programme, trail the phase one report and future phase two survey, policy labs and other outward facing activity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Commission on Culture and Local Government: Findings and Discussion Session (05.09.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The Commission on Culture and Local Government investigated the role that publicly funded culture can play in our national recovery. Prof Katy Shaw acted throughout as a Commissioner. This closing session was for discussion around findings ahead of the report launch in December 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/culture-tourism-leisure-and-sport/commission-culture-and-local-gover...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Commission on Culture and Local Government: Report Launch (08.12.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The Commission on Culture and Local Government investigated the role that publicly funded culture can play in our national recovery. Prof Katy Shaw acted throughout as a Commissioner. This event saw the launch of the report.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/culture-tourism-leisure-and-sport/commission-culture-and-local-gover...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Commission on Culture and Local Government: Roundtable 3 (Social Mobility) (16.06.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The Commission on Culture and Local Government investigated the role that publicly funded culture can play in our national recovery. Prof Katy Shaw acted throughout as a Commissioner. The third roundtable focused on Social Mobility through Cultural Education and Creative Skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/culture-tourism-leisure-and-sport/commission-culture-and-local-gover...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Commission on Culture and Local Government: Roundtable 4 (Place) (21.07.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The Commission on Culture and Local Government investigated the role that publicly funded culture can play in our national recovery. Prof Katy Shaw acted throughout as a Commissioner. The fourth roundtable focused on Place.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/culture-tourism-leisure-and-sport/commission-culture-and-local-gover...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Convention of the North, Leeds (29.02.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The Convention of the North brings together political, business, community and academic leaders to collaborate on a shared agenda for the future of the North. Key themes of the event aligned closely to the AHRC Creative Communities programme's thematic priorities for year 2 (Net Zero, Transport, Trade and Investment, People and Place).

The panel included Alison Lowe (Chair - West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor Policing and Crime); Prof. Katy Shaw; Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Leader Bradford Council); Helen Simpson (Y&NY LEP); Lord Richard Inglewood (Cumbria LEP); Will Garton (HM Treasury); Pete Massey (Arts Council England).
Audience capped at 400, which is the venue capacity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.conventionofthenorth.org.uk/
 
Description Katy Shaw - Convention of the North, Manchester (25.01.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Socialising programme across convention and developing policy connections - particularly within government levelling up teams
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Creative Cities Convention, Newcastle (26+27.03.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Private sector, public-facing conference on the creative industries, useful for maintaining research expertise and trailing report launch and subsequent CC activities as well as building existing network and visibility ahead of May launch.
Audience estimate: 250+ in person, further recordings online.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Creative Industries Council Place Forum: Devolution and Creative Industries Strategy (26.09.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw participated in the Creative Industries Council Place Forum: Devolution and Creative Industries Strategy to share findings from the AHRC Creative Communities on devolution and R&D.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Katy Shaw - Creative Industries PEC roundtable on Creative Clusters (15.09.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The Creative Industries PEC roundtable on Creative Clusters was hosted by Dr Josh Siepel of the Sussex Policy Research Unit (SPRU) to facilitate cross-discplinary expertise sharing around the Creative Clusters and generate initial ideas for future plans and solutions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Cultural Compacts Conference Coventry (23.01.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Participation in ACE conference about Cultural Compacts model, socialisation of programme and developing deeper arts council connections
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS AHRC Quarterly Meeting (30.08.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact DCMS and AHRC quarterly meeting - Katy's slot was used to introduce the Creative Communities programme and outline future potential synergies in order to create meetings/contacts for future work
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS Areas of Research Interest Launch (20.09.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Areas of research interest (ARI) give details about the main research questions facing government departments, and this event was the launch of new DCMS priority ARIs for discussion and consideration by a large audience of researchers and relevant participants. Prof Katy Shaw was directly invited to attend by AHRC colleagues to comment on and consider future potential for the ARIs and AHRC research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS Briefing (23.01.25) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw delivered an invited briefing on the AHRC Creative Communities programme and research findings on devolution, co-creation and collaborative R&D. The audience included Director - Corporate Strategy; Director - Sport and Gambling; Director - Civil Society and Youth; Director - Analysis (Chief Economist); Director - Chief Scientific Advisor; Deputy Director - Museums and Cultural Property; Deputy Director - Public Bodies, Appointments, Honours and Awards; Deputy Director - Heritage and City of Culture; Principle ; Researcher for Arts and Libraries; Head of Arts Policy; Strategy & Policy Lead - Place, Communities & Local Growth (x2) Policy Advisor, Youth Engagement; Strategy & Policy Lead - Place & Local Growth; and others.
Plans have been made for further activity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS City of Culture Roundtable (06.02.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Katy was invited as an expert speaker to attend the DCMS roundtable on the City of Culture programme, with particular reference to R&D and learning from the Coventry 23 programme ahead of Bradford 25
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS Cultural Corridor meeting (01.06.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact This meeting provided lots of scope to consider culture strategy development at a local level in the combined authorities of the north during phase three of Creative Communities.
Prof Shaw spoke with delegates from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at this event about hosting or presenting a creative panel at the 2024 Convention of the North (March 2024).
Further discussion was had with Oliver Coppard, the Mayor of South Yorkshire Combined Authority, who expressed interested in the Creative Communities team visiting to present on future community culture plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS Review of the definition of creative occupations (03.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw was invited to participate in consultation to update the DCMS Creative Industries classification alongside other expert voices. This will lead to changes in DCMS Creative Industries taxonomies of job descriptions and definitions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS Roundtable 'Corporate partnerships with the cultural sector' (21.07.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Organised by DCMS with Lord Neil Mendoza and Lord Parkinson.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - DCMS and DFE roundtable on Creative Skills (08.02.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Katy was invited as an expert speaker to this joint DCMS and DFE roundtable on Creative Skills and generated further interest and awareness of the programme
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - DSIT Briefing (18.03.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw discussed findings and progress from the AHRC Creative Communities programme in a direct briefing to DSIT, BEIS and other govt dept members. This included, among others:
- Chair, Head of Place Strategy for Science, Research & Innovation and Head of R&D and Levelling Up, DSIT
- Deputy Director Place, Impact and Research, BEIS
- Senior Policy Advisor, R&D & Levelling Up, DSIT
- Senior Policy Advisor, R&D and Levelling Up, DSIT
- Head of Innovation Policy, DSIT
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Katy Shaw - Durham Book Festival Chair (15.10.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Katy chaired a discussion event featuring Jason Cowley and Alex Niven, talking about the future of England and devolution across the UK, at Durham Book Festival and taking questions from the general public audience
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.linkedin.com/posts/prof-katy-shaw-2039a318_such-a-pleasure-to-host-at-durham-book-festiv...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Engagement with Director for Levelling Up, DLUHC (21.05.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting to discuss the Creative Communities programme.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Katy Shaw - Engagement with Strategy Director, DCMS (09.05.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw engaged in a direct meeting with the Strategy Director, DCMS. Plans were made for further activity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Katy Shaw - English Shared Futures (The English Association) Conference Panels and Speaking Engagements (08-09.07.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Conference overseen by The English Association. Katy spoke in panel session 'The Public Humanities in the 21st Century' and also in 'A Writing Chance: Class, Writing and Publishing in Contemporary Britain' to broad audiences and took questions throughout.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://englishsharedfutures.co.uk/day-1/
 
Description Katy Shaw - Festival of Flourishing Regions 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw addressed policymakers, regional planners, economic development experts, academics, and business and community leaders at the Festival of Flourishing Regions, delivering findings from the AHRC Creative Communities programme.

Prof Shaw and the panel discussed 'why maximum devolution will deliver city and regional potential', reflecting on the recent government white paper on devolution and potential for delivering deep devolution of powers to places. The panel also considered how cities and combined authorities can maximise these opportunities and deliver for people, their areas, and the country.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://futureswest.co.uk/festival-flourishing-regions/
 
Description Katy Shaw - Invitation to join Culture Common's 'Future of local cultural decision making' open policy development programme' Steering Group (22.09.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Culture Common's 'Future of local cultural decision making' open policy development programme' Steering Group is being led by Trevor MacFarlane. Prof Katy Shaw has been invited to join as an academic specialist to contribute to discussions, decisions and policy concepts as a non-voting/non-financially contributing member.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Keynote speech at Creative Fuse North East conference, Teesside (14-15.09.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Keynote talk at CFNE annual conference aimed to socialise programme, make connections and generate discussion with regional and national partners
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.creativefusene.org.uk/whats-on/event/creative-fuse-conference-2022/
 
Description Katy Shaw - Keynote speech on Levelling Up and Culture at Sunderland University (08.09.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A keynote talk about Levelling Up, the Creative Industries and place-based community research at Sunderland University aimed at academic, third sector, policy and other more general audiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - Local Government Association (LGA) Culture, Tourism and Sport Annual Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw contributed to a panel discussion that asked the question, 'What changes can be made within national systems to support the delivery of culture, tourism and sport within local authorities?'
This session was facilitated by Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport Board.
70+ registered to join this event on Zoom.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.local.gov.uk/lga-annual-culture-tourism-and-sport-conference-2024-5-march-2024
 
Description Katy Shaw - London Book Fair (20.04.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Public-facing conference event with highly relevant audience, at which Katy could trail report launch and subsequent CC activities as well as building existing network and visibility ahead of May launch.
Audience estimate: 500+ with further online engagement
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Meeting with Ed Whiting, Director of Levelling Up at DLUHC, UK Govt (16.03.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting to introduce the CC programme and discuss the relevance of levelling up to CC research, trail the report launch and future recommendations relevant to DHLUC (phase one) and cement relationships ahead of future four nation policy labs and a continued programme focus on levelling up and devolution (phase two).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Meeting with Emma Hallows and Dan Evans from the Secretary of State for Wales UK Govt Office, Cardiff (17.01.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting to discuss the Creative Communities programme, with particular respect to the upcoming report and policy recommendations mid-drafting.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Meeting with Gerwyn Evans from Creative Wales, Welsh Govt, Cardiff (19.01.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting to discuss the Creative Communities programme, with particular respect to the upcoming report and policy recommendations mid-drafting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Meeting with Harman Sagger, Head Economist for Arts, Heritage and Tourism at DCMS (27.10.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting to discuss the Creative Communities programme, with particular respect to the upcoming report and policy recommendations pre-drafting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - Meeting with John Ball, Head of Creativity at the Department of Communities, Northern Ireland Government (09.03.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting to discuss the Creative Communities programme, with particular respect to the upcoming report and policy recommendations (phase one) and future four nations policy events (phase two).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - NCACE Festival: Cultural Compacts, collaboration, knowledge exchange (11.10.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Speaking contribution to 'Cultural Compacts, collaboration, knowledge exchange: the role of Higher Education in fostering place-based cultural and artistic ecologies' event and questions from audience afterward.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cultural-compacts-collaboration-knowledge-exchange-tickets-4119604939...
 
Description Katy Shaw - NECP Annual Forum (12.08.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact The North East Culture Partnership Annual Forum offered an opportunity to socialise the programme and make connections with regional and national contacts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.case4culture.org.uk/forum-2022/
 
Description Katy Shaw - North East Screen Launch (08.06.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Attended launch event to socialise programme and develop additional contacts for future collaboration, leading to further meetings and better knowledge of this programme in relevant sectors
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://northeastscreen.org/event/north-east-screen-industry-launch/
 
Description Katy Shaw - North East Tourism Awards (23.03.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Katy attended this public event to socialise the project, broaden the non-academic network and trail the report launch to build interest (phase one).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Ongoing participant working group, Commission on the UK's Future, Labour Party (12.10.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw acted throughout this report project as a Commissioner. The Commission on the UK's Future, chaired by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was a research exercise and major report that proposed the biggest ever transfer of political power out of Westminster and into the towns, cities, and nations of the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - Ongoing participant working group, Commission on the UK's Future, Labour Party (27.06.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw acted throughout this report project as a Commissioner. The Commission on the UK's Future, chaired by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was a research exercise and major report that proposed the biggest ever transfer of political power out of Westminster and into the towns, cities, and nations of the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - Opening keynote speech at Newcastle Creates / Cultural Compact launch (20.10.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Katy delivered an opening talk about culture, creative industries and the cultural compacts model at the launch of Newcastle Creates with a panel of local government, third sector partners and members of the public who have been involved in the compacts model, and took questions from the audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.newcastlecreates.co.uk/2022/10/20/newcastle-creates-sets-out-a-new-vison-for-culture-in-...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Presentation to Liberal Democrats Party representatives APPG (22.06.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Introductory briefing to Creative Community project, and delivery of evidence relating to creative cultures and communities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - Pride in Place Evidence Review Workshop (11.01.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Arup, who are conducting the 'Pride in Place' evidence review for DCMS, held a workshop for close contacts and partners. Katy was invited as an expert in the field to both learn and inform.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Katy Shaw - RSA Fellows Festival (17.06.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A large in-person audience assembled at RSA House in London to hear from Prof Katy Shaw and panellists like Darren Henley (Arts Council) and other key figures from the CI + Culture landscape. The talk was positively received on the day and sparked discussions.
The YouTube recording of the event has had 1500 individual views post-event, and the count is still growing.
Creative Communities has developed a stronger relationship with the RSA and its leader Andy Haldane as a result, and future collaborative work is planned.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://youtu.be/a3GVMN8jGu8
 
Description Katy Shaw - RSA N8 NORTH Devolution & Culture panel seminar: "Culture and Knowledge: Growing Opportunities in North-East England panel discussion" (07.02.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact "Culture and Knowledge: Growing Opportunities in North-East England panel discussion", RSA N8 NORTH Devolution & Culture panel seminar. As part of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and N8 event programme 'UP North', Durham University hosted a day of talks, discussions and debate from a diverse group of experts.

Prof Katy Shaw spoke as part of a panel that also included: Jennifer Williams (Moderator - Financial Times, Northern England Correspondent); Prof Karen O'Brien (Vice-Chancellor, Durham University); Nick Malyan (CEO Redhills Durham Miner's Association); Prof Katy Shaw (Programme Director, AHRC Creative Communities; Director of University Cultural Partnerships, Northumbria University); Councillor Elizabeth Scott (Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships, Durham County Council); Dr Henry Kippin (Chief Executive of the North of Tyne Combined Authority and interim Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority); Prof Giorgio Fazio (Professor of Macroeconomics, Newcastle University Business School).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.durham.ac.uk/discover/upnorth/
 
Description Katy Shaw - Speaker at Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference 2023 (15.03.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Public-facing conference in which Prof Katy Shaw spoke about levelling up, the creative industries and devolution, with a particular nod to the LGA Culture Commission report launched December 2022 and the forthcoming CC deep dive report due May 2023. This panel discussion also involved Jack Shaw (IPPR and Bennett Institute) to an online and in-person audience of cross-sector, research and policy experts.

Audience estimate: 200+ in person and online. The shared panel has led to initial meetings with Jack Shaw via IPPR and BIPP.

Katy's presentation slides can be freely viewed online, providing a legacy element to the event: https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Professor%20Katy%20Shaw,%20Northumbria%20University.pdf
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.local.gov.uk/events/past-event-presentations/lga-annual-culture-tourism-and-sport-confer...
 
Description Katy Shaw - Ted Talk 'Breaking a Class Ceiling: The Value of Diversity in Creative Industries' (30.05.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Katy was invited to deliver a Ted Talk via TedxSoho on 'Breaking a Class Ceiling: The Value of Diversity in Creative Industries' as part of their broader theme 'This is Not a Rehearsal'. The Tedx Talks YouTube channel has 37.6 million subscribers and her talk has been viewed on that platform 1.3k times as of February 2023 (time of reporting).
Comments on the video from viewers via YouTube describe the talk as ' inspiring to watch' and emphasise the value of Katy's use of this platform as 'very reassuring to hear that people are organising to address the widening gap between those who have and those who have nowt'.
Additional URL: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/37292
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ir0SsZmvaw
 
Description Katy Shaw - The Northern Agenda Newsletter (29.09.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The Northern Agenda newsletter featured a guest segment with Prof Katy Shaw, discussing the launch of the five Community Innovation Practitioners, an update on the aims and activities of AHRC Creative Communities, and future policy activities as part of our phase two. This newsletter is read by a cross-sector, cross-UK audience and sparked a conversation on the Northern Agenda podcast. The post on twitter and account have each 2000+views/followers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://twitter.com/RobParsonsNorth/status/1707636585053704427
 
Description Katy Shaw - The Northern Agenda Podcast (29.09.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw spoke to Rob Parsons, journalist and host of the Northern Agenda podcast, about the AHRC Creative Communities 'By All For All' deep dive report, actioning some of the report recommendations, launching the cross-UK 5 Community Innovation Practitioners, and how to conduct community research in the future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://podfollow.com/the-northern-agenda/episode/fdaf8df1898de095057aa6bf1496ce8842a98ed4/view
 
Description Katy Shaw - Times Higher Education Campus Live 2023 Keynote (06.12.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw was invited to give an opening keynote talk about Levelling Up, Devolution and the role playable by Higher Education and Universities. This talk was delivered in Liverpool to an in-person cross-sector audience and supplemented by an article in Times Higher Education on related topics: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/english-universities-have-central-role-play-devolution-agenda
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/english-universities-have-central-role-play-devolution-age...
 
Description Katy Shaw - UKREiiF Annual Event 2024 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw was invited to participate in a Historic England-sponsored roundtable 'Heritage at the Heart of Regen - Why and How?'. This focused on the ways in which heritage can contribute to community prosperity, business growth, placemaking and civic identity, which are key themes of the Creative Communities programme.
UKREiiF is an annual real estate conference that connects people, places, and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformational investment - participation allowed for interesting opportunities to reach non-academic and private sector audiences and collaborators.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/ukreiif-2024/
 
Description Katy Shaw - UKRI Strategy workshops and levelling up roundtable (03.02.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Katy was asked to attend or participate in the UKRI strategy sessions hosted in Newcastle and the roundtable around levelling up, regional/local interests and the role of universities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Katy Shaw - Westminster Business Forum and Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference: Next steps for growing investment for R&D in the UK and supporting scale-ups in key sectors (24.01.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Westminster Business Forum and Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference: Next steps for growing investment for R&D in the UK and supporting scale-ups in key sectors.

Prof Katy Shaw spoke as part of a panel focusing on 'Priorities for unlocking public and private sector investment in R&D - government support, widening sources of funding, attracting foreign investment, tackling bureaucracy, and supporting investor confidence and expected returns'.

The panel also included: Sami Moughrabie (Managing Partner, ATMOS Ventures); Professor Katy Shaw; Professor Paul Beasley (Head of Research and Development UK, Siemens); Andrew Leicester (Associate Director, Frontier Economics); David Bryon (Chief Financial Officer, First Light Fusion). Questions and comments were taken from the audience.
Follow up engagements are planned with other speakers.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/agenda/InnovationFinance-24-agenda.pdf
 
Description Katy Shaw - Westminster Higher Education Forum keynote seminar: Widening participation and access to higher education - improving outcomes, HEI and school collaboration, and the future role of universities in skills development (26.05.22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Keynote speech by Prof Katy Shaw at Westminster Media Forum intended to reach non-academic audiences of policymakers, third sector and private sector stakeholders. Her panel focused on local contexts, themes of levelling up and the role of partnerships.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/agenda/HE-Widening-Access-agenda.pdf
 
Description Katy Shaw and Creative Communities team - AHRC visit, Christopher Smith (02.02.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Visit by Christopher Smith, AHRC, to Northumbria University and session with Creative Communities team to discuss progress, future activity and alignment of strategic goals
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Lauren Baker Mitchell + Helen Apsey 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact The AHRC Creative Communities team led a Micro Policy Lab at the NCCPE (National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement) Engage Live 2024 Conference in Bristol in May 2024.

Lauren Baker Mitchell and Helen Apsey delivered findings, considered methods and discussed best practice co-creation with participants in a format based on the policy lab series.

The 'Micro Policy Lab' enabled participants worked together to consider the opportunities and challenges that mattered to them, as well as policy proposals to address these challenges, across the programmes themes of Health and Wellbeing, Environment and Pride in Place. Participants discussed ideas in cross sector groups, before sharing key points of their discussions along with their policy solutions and why these were important to creative communities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/nccpe-engage-2024-conference/
 
Description Lauren Baker Mitchell + Helen Apsey: Engagement with Dept for Business and Trade & HM Treasury (19.07.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Lauren Baker Mitchell (Senior Research Fellow) and Helen Apsey (Policy Lead) from AHRC Creative Communities engaged with policy colleagues based at the Darlington Economic Campus. This included the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Projects, DBT; Economic Security and Trade Relations, DBT; Deputy Director, System Design in Remediation, MHCLG; and Head of Engagement for the Darlington Economic Campus, HM Treasury. Plans have been made for future activity - the England Policy Sprint event in late 2024/early 2025.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Lauren Baker Mitchell - Bristol CKC conference attendance (29.03.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Public-facing conference useful for socialising project in academic and R&D circles ahead of the report launch (phase one) and policy labs, partner survey and toolkit (phases two and three).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Lauren Baker Mitchell - Engage Online 2023, NCCPE - Interactive Provocation Workshop (06.12.23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Lauren Baker Mitchell delivered a uniquely interactive session from AHRC Creative Communities for Engage Online 2023, with the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE). The session, 'Funders and HEIs must invest in co-created, community-led innovation if we want sustainable, inclusive research ecosystems', offered participants the opportunity to respond directly to our provocation and share ideas and potential solutions around community-led co-creation research.
Outputs from this talk will include evaluation from Lauren for the NCCPE and potential future publication online with NCCPE.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Music with Meaning: Co-producing health and culture with Georgina Aasgaard in Liverpool (England) - Creative Communities Podcast Episode #6 (07.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In this episode, CIP and classically trained cellist Georgina Aasgaard from the University of Liverpool explores the importance of valuing practitioners' expertise as they work with diverse communities. Georgina researches a successful music and health programme by the Liverpool Philharmonic and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. She speaks to her experiences of collaborative music-making in action, including work in a library, a high-security hospital, and a community pantry. The episode features the team and practitioners who deliver these courses and the participants who've benefitted from them, uncovering the power of practitioner-led, co-created music in diverse communities and the need for more participant voices and practitioner support structures. Georgina's Community Innovation Practitioner story proposes the "5 C's of Practice" - Connection, Collaboration, Creativity, Commitment, and Care - as a framework for co-designing supportive community environments.

The Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation can empower us to build stronger, more resilient communities across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Over six episodes, the Community Innovation Practitioners 2023-24 cohort deliver inspiring stories of change from across the UK, sharing findings and hearing directly from their communities and partners. The podcast has international reach and each episode was positively received by the funder, advisory board, CIP and CIP partners + communities. The podcast process was a key methodological intervention to allow the CIPS to develop ideas freely and collaboratively, consider the narrative arcs of their projects and develop key dissemination + inclusive innovation skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/cip-pilot-podcast/
 
Description Putting the Making in Place-Making: Alex Langlands in Neath, Port Talbot (Wales) - Creative Communities Podcast Episode #3 (07.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In this episode, CIP Alex Langlands explores how through collaboration and co-creation, communities in Neath Port Talbot are creating a more equitable and vibrant future for the region through their heritage. He worked with Craig Gwladus Country Park, Neath Valley Ironworks, White Rock Copper Works and Parc Slip Colliery, which were all once hives of industrial activity, and are now transformed into beautiful greenspaces, where people of all ages can play, connect and learn new skills. The podcast introduces many local voices along the way like volunteers, storytellers and conservation experts. In this podcast episode Alex argues for a shift in traditional heritage management, including community engagement - which shouldn't be an afterthought; it should be central to preserving our heritage. The episode also highlights the dedication of volunteers who play a crucial role.

The Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation can empower us to build stronger, more resilient communities across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Over six episodes, the Community Innovation Practitioners 2023-24 cohort deliver inspiring stories of change from across the UK, sharing findings and hearing directly from their communities and partners. The podcast has international reach and each episode was positively received by the funder, advisory board, CIP and CIP partners + communities. The podcast process was a key methodological intervention to allow the CIPS to develop ideas freely and collaboratively, consider the narrative arcs of their projects and develop key dissemination + inclusive innovation skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/cip-pilot-podcast/
 
Description Skaters on Screen: Capturing DIY Skate Culture & Community Action with Jim Donaghey in Portrush (Northern Ireland) - Creative Communities Podcast Episode #2 (07.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In this episode CIP Jim Donaghey from Ulster University explores the power of partnership, collaboration and DIY culture to support the long-standing campaign for a skate park in Portrush, Northern Ireland. He discusses how preserving skateboarding heritage through videography is helping to connect past and present generations of skaters. This is helping to foster a sense of community and supporting them to advocate for a dedicated skate space. The episode visits skate spots, features voices of passionate skaters, and speaks to urban sports experts and lots of different community voices, from local shop owners to parents. Jim also shares findings from his Creative Communities project, exploring the challenges and triumphs of creating a supported skate culture in his hometown.

The Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation can empower us to build stronger, more resilient communities across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Over six episodes, the Community Innovation Practitioners 2023-24 cohort deliver inspiring stories of change from across the UK, sharing findings and hearing directly from their communities and partners. The podcast has international reach and each episode was positively received by the funder, advisory board, CIP and CIP partners + communities. The podcast process was a key methodological intervention to allow the CIPS to develop ideas freely and collaboratively, consider the narrative arcs of their projects and develop key dissemination + inclusive innovation skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/cip-pilot-podcast/
 
Description The Northern Agenda Podcast: "Having a mayor - what now for the North's new political superheroes?" (10.05.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Prof Katy Shaw participated in the popular Northern Agenda podcast - a podcast linked to the newsletter of the same name, published by the Manchester Evening News group. Prof Shaw discussed findings from the programme in relation to policymaking and devolution.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://podfollow.com/the-northern-agenda/episode/03a5305e398014fc2eeecaba7f729c32a823ee13/view
 
Description Transforming Trauma: Co-Creating Change Through Culture with Áine Brady - Creative Communities Podcast Episode #2 (07.10.24) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In this episode CIP Áine Brady talks with participants in The Market, a working-class community grappling with addiction and trauma. She delivers findings from a year-long partnership with the Market Development Association and Pangur Ban, a local arts group. Together, they address the stigma surrounding addiction and trauma through "The Tapestry Project," a resident-led photography project. The podcast episode features the project's intergenerational participants, who tell the story of this community's resilience through historical, societal and economic challenges. Now, through the collaborative power of The Tapestry Project, they've found a sense of connection and empowerment. The podcast episode also delivers Áine's Community Innovation Practitioner story, which emphasises the power of collaboration, challenges policy models, and champions arts-based approaches - all thanks to genuine cross-sector partnerships.

The Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation can empower us to build stronger, more resilient communities across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Over six episodes, the Community Innovation Practitioners 2023-24 cohort deliver inspiring stories of change from across the UK, sharing findings and hearing directly from their communities and partners. The podcast has international reach and each episode was positively received by the funder, advisory board, CIP and CIP partners + communities. The podcast process was a key methodological intervention to allow the CIPS to develop ideas freely and collaboratively, consider the narrative arcs of their projects and develop key dissemination + inclusive innovation skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://creativecommunities.uk/research/cip-pilot-podcast/