Sir Peter Bazalgette lecture marks formal UWE Bristol/Arnolfini partnership

Issue date: 13 April 2015

Bristol Distinguished Address Series, 15 April 2015, Arnolfini, Bristol, 18:00

To register and for full details of forthcoming talks please visit the BDAS Event page.

UWE Bristol and Arnolfini will mark the beginning of their formal partnership with a guest lecture from Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chair of Arts Council England. Sir Peter will deliver an address to the business community as part of the University's renowned Bristol Distinguished Address Series.

This lecture is the first in a dynamic programme of events, combining the creativity and resources of two of the city's most influential institutions, to develop a partnership through a leading national centre for contemporary arts exhibition, ideas leadership and talent development. The partnership will see the two organisations sharing resources and facilities.

Prior to the address, Sir Peter will join a panel of leaders from Bristol and the UK creative community for a round table discussion on 'What next for Bristol in terms of partnership between higher education, the creative industries and the arts?'

For the University's Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education, the partnership presents a number of exciting opportunities for over 2000 creative arts students, teaching and research staff based at the Bower Ashton Campus and associated sites.

It forms part of the University's current redevelopment of the Bower Ashton Campus and commitment to maintain its reputation as one of the most highly-regarded art schools in the country.

• From September 2015, UWE Bristol students and staff on MA Graphic Arts, Level 2 Drama, and levels 2 and 3 BA(Hons) Drawing and Print, BA(Hons) Drawing and Applied Arts, and BA(Hons) Graphic Design will relocate to Arnolfini.
• This unique opportunity will allow staff and students to benefit from the shared facilities in the Arnolfini building, to develop their learning in an exhibition and performance environment of international calibre. Arnolfini includes a 200 seat auditorium equipped with sprung floor, wings and lighting rig.
• Entrance to the university spaces will be via the main Arnolfini entrance and all students and staff will be able to explore the exhibition galleries, reading room, shop and café bar.
• The University's spaces will accommodate a range of small to large teaching spaces alongside student studios to support individual, group and whole year group work.
• Students will boost their employability prospects, gaining real world experience through working with Arnolfini on 'live briefs' for individual work placements and group projects.
• The partnership with Arnolfini is a key addition to the existing close relationships the University has with Bristol's creative and digital sectors – including the Watershed, Spike Island, BBC, Aardman, Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives and Creative England. Their close proximity around the Bristol Harbour presents a unique opportunity for research and collaborations, to develop a Creative Harbour that will build the regional, national and international profile of Bristol as a cultural and creative centre.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chair Arts Council England, said,"We have seen that the creative industries are a powerhouse of the UK's economy and partnerships like these, nurturing students and sharing expertise, have the power to affect not just the students lucky enough to benefit directly, but the entire city and beyond.

There would be no creative sector without the incubator of inspirational arts and cultural education and this partnership between an arts organisation and a higher education institution has great potential."

Kate Brindley, CEO Arnolfini, said, ''I am delighted we have formalised the partnership and with the plans we are already jointly working on. We are very excited about our new future at Arnolfini and the possibilities of what we can achieve working together with UWE.''

Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England said, “This is an exciting partnership with the potential to enhance our students' experiences and connections with industry. It will also contribute to the wider art and cultural quarter of Bristol's harbourside.”

Professor Alex Gilkison, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education (ACE), said, “What is unique about this partnership is its collaboration with the Arts and City Council, as well as arts and commercial organisations around Bristol's Creative Harbour. These provide rich experiences for students and visitors alike in an exciting art and cultural quarter.”