This Conference debated issues for the future of CCI (Cultural and Creative Industries) and university collaborative and provided case studies, inspiration and networking, including early career researcher academics, so that both constituencies can capitalise on these emerging and exciting opportunities.

The timing couldn’t be more relevant. The Agendas of both the CCI and Higher Education are converging apace. Universities are acknowledging their civic responsibilities, public engagement and the value of collaborative working with CCIs as core to their purpose, and as playing a key role in their research impact, as they are increasingly looking at innovative and strategic long term partnerships. Cultural and Creative organisations working with universities are beginning to reap the benefits of collaborative working in terms of engagement, artistic excellence, co-productions and talent development amongst others in an extraordinary variety of ways.

These priorities, particularly at a time of austerity and risk, are those which both parties can capitalise on, and which policy makers are increasingly seeking, as the case for public support for the arts and their values seeks to broaden itself beyond merely an economic argument.

Issues discussed:

• The opportunities for HEIs and CCIs to collaborate on a new ‘Grand Partnership,’ underpinned by  HEI’s civic role, public engagement strategies and development of innovative collaborative programmes.
• The role which CCIs can play in talent development, enhancing research and joint R&D with universities.
• The opportunity for HEIs to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with CCIs to enhance their impact beyond the Academy and feed  into the Agenda for the REF 2020 (Research Excellence Framework)
• Policy and funding implications for both sectors
• Inspirational interactive workshops and case studies
• Speed-networking

To hear a podcast of the event click here.

Contributors include: Helen Goodman MP (Shadow Minister of State for Culture, Media and Sport), Professor Barry Ife (Principal, Guildhall School of Music & Drama), Professor Maria Delgado (Professor of Theatre & Screen Arts, Queen Mary University of London), Kathryn McDowell CBE (Managing Director, London Symphony Orchestra), John Newbigin (Chair, Creative England), Professor David Sweeney (Director of Research, Innovation & Skills, HEFCE), Geoffrey Colman (Head of Acting, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama), Liam Jarvis (Co-director, Analogue / PhD candidate, Royal Holloway University of London) and Dr Ricarda Vidal (Teaching Fellow, King’s College London), Dr David Berman (Reader in Theoretical Physics at Queen Mary University of London), Becs Andrews (Visual Artist & Designer for Live Performance & Film) Tricia Austin (Course Leader MA Narrative Environments, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London), Paul Bristow (Director, Strategic Partnerships, Arts Council England), Paddy Hartley (Artist / Designer), Frederic Wake-Walker (Artistic Director, Mahogany Opera Group), Paul Farrington (Graphic Designer, Studio Tonne), Professor Shearer West (History of Art Department, University of Oxford), and Dr Kate Dorney (Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Performance, V&A).