The pandemic presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how the cultural sector works with higher education – to create a New Vision for Partnership that responds to the shift in sector priorities and ambitions, that supports recovery, builds resilience and takes advantage of emerging opportunities.

With this aim, Culture Forum North secured Arts Council funding to undertake a three-stage programme of activity, delivered in partnership with Midlands Higher Educational and Cultural Forum and the South East Cultural Innovation Forum.

We are pleased to share the outcomes of stage one – a literature review of existing research into the nature of HE/cultural partnership and a new investigation into the risks and opportunities posed to the sectors as a consequence of COVID 19. 

The turbulent events of 2020/21 make the conclusions of this report more relevant than ever. 

Through the study, we learned that the pandemic motivated and deepened partnerships, reinvigorating relationships rich in long-term strategic potential.

Read a bite-size summary here
Read the full report here

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Stage two comprised a roundtable discussion chaired by Darren Henley

In summer 2021, leaders from sector bodies nationally explored how, through partnership, we can help to overcome the current and shared challenges facing the cultural, higher and further education sectors.  The outcome, alongside the research and a series of workshops with cultural and HE organisations, will fuel the creation of the New Vision for Cultural and Higher Education Partnership towards the end of the year.