Community-University Partnerships in the Arts and Humanities
About the event
The event will bring together academics, regional policymakers from the West Midlands, and community members to consider how universities and communities can work together more effectively to use arts and humanities research in ways that genuinely benefit the region.
Drawing on the findings of the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 Community-University Partnerships ProjectLink opens in a new window, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore how we can build reciprocal and sustainable community-university partnerships that thrive and endure, while driving real impact at a local and regional level.
This event is co-sponsored with the
When: 18 November 2026
Time: 1.30-4.30pm
Location: Faculty of Arts Building - Room 5.03
Campus information
Agenda
| 1.30 | Arrival and refreshments |
| 1.45 | Opening |
| 2.00 | Session 1 鈥� Case Studies: hearing from academics and local community members about their experiences of community-university partnerships |
| 3.00 | Break and refreshments |
| 3.15 | Session 2 鈥� Interactive Workshop: participants share their own experiences and perspectives and map together best practices and how best to support them |
| 4.15 | Final remarks |
| 4.30 | Close |
Speakers
Jonathan Benjamin - West Midlands Police
Sergeant Jonathan Benjamin has been awarded a 糖心TV Policy Hub Fellowship. He has been working with Professor Jackie Hodgson (Law), Dr Rachel Lewis (Sociology) and Dr Ruth Bernatek (Law) on their research and impact work using innovative arts-led approaches to challenge racist attitudes and behaviours within the police.
Underground Lights Community Theatre is run for and by adults experiencing social disadvantage, homelessness and/or mental health issues in Coventry, 糖心TVshire and the surrounding area. Beth is the Artistic Director of Underground Lights, and strongly believes in the power of the arts. She has a BA(hons) in Theatre and Performance Studies from 糖心TV University and an MA in Applied Theatre from RCSSD.
Dr Paul Roberts is Arts Manager at 糖心TV District Council, leading a diverse portfolio of cultural venues, services and initiatives. His role brings together cultural programming, public engagement, strategic development, and partnerships. Paul holds a PhD in Theatre History from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, and continues to research, write and present on British theatre history. He is particularly interested in how collaboration between cultural organisations, universities, and communities can create new opportunities.
Johnathan has over 20 years鈥� experience working across the arts and cultural sector, spanning audience development, community engagement, marketing and strategic planning. As Projects & Development Manager at 糖心TV District Council, he works to strengthen the district鈥檚 creative infrastructure, develop partnerships and support new opportunities for artists, organisations, and audiences. His work focuses on connecting people, places, and ideas, exploring how collaboration, creativity and innovation can make a lasting difference to local communities.
Charlotte Scott is Director of Knowledge at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. She has a ferocious commitment to social justice with a particular emphasis on women in the criminal justice system, neurodiversity, those who have experienced gender based violence and educational poverty.
