The vital role that a university plays in the economy of a city or region has been studied extensively, explains Barry Taylor. What is less well researched is the interrelationship between a university and an area?s cultural life.
Some might argue that the cultural impact of a university is too obvious to need investigating. After all, there is no mystery in the fact that the theatres, concert halls and arts centres that grace many a campus are resources for local people as well as for the universities themselves. Everyone knows that the rock shows hosted by students? unions are generally open to the public too. Equally, it is not uncommon for universities to support others? cultural ventures through sponsorship, board memberships and the provision of facilities.
But there are other, more subtle cultural relationships between town and gown that would repay closer examination. The University of Bristol?s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Thomas, has asked one of the University?s leading academics, working closely with all departments, to develop a strategy that will consider how we can engage more effectively with the cultural interests and aspirations of people and organisations in the city. As well as inviting the public to attend cultural activities at the University (?We?re doing this and you can come?), and as well as helping others to put on cultural activities ('You?re doing that and we can support you?), the University is asking the question, ?What can we do together?? It is about finding common purpose ? identifying partnership projects that call upon each partner?s strengths, realise their individual aspirations and deliver more than the partners could achieve alone.
One example involves the £18m centre for neuroendocrinology research that the University is building at a prominent, city-centre location. The University wanted to use five large windows at street level to enhance the urban environment and communicate something about science. Through a partnership with organisations ranging from Bristol City Council to Arnolfini, artists have created a set of high-tech, ever-changing windows that will blur the boundaries between what is happening on the street outside, the activities taking place inside and the artists? imaginations.
Another example (also linked with the city?s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008) involves a project led by Bristol Cultural Development Partnership to get the whole city reading Treasure Island ? a book with direct Bristol connections. The University is keen to play to its strengths by contributing an academic dimension ? a public lecture on fictional islands, perhaps, or performances that pick up on the book?s themes?
In such ways, the University is seeking greater integration with the city?s cultural life. It is a world-class university in a vibrant city ? we are made for each other.
Barry Taylor is Director of Communications & Marketing at the University of Bristol.
e: barry.taylor@bristol.ac.uk