Exploring CAKE: Cultivating Collaborations between the Cultural Sector and the University of Leeds

Earlier this year, we had our first slice of CAKE — Creative Artistic Knowledge Exchange, find out how it went.

Researchers and cultural leaders gather together in a semi-circle as they take part in a creative activity.

What is CAKE?

Creative Artistic Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) is an initiative borne from the desire at the Cultural Institute to further open up collaborative pathways between local arts organisations and the opportunities and knowledge within the University of Leeds.

Researchers and cultural leaders sit in small groups discussing different topics.

Inception and Discussions

To kickstart this initiative, we brought together 13 local cultural industry leaders across a variety of artforms, and 13 researchers from the University of Leeds in a collaborative setting. The objective was to explore how the University could further collaborate and contribute to the thriving of the cultural sector.

“There’s wider scope and more opportunities for cultural sector and academics to collaborate, particularly the range of options that could facilitate this.”

Led by facilitator David Harradine (artist and Co Artistic Director & CEO of Fevered Sleep, and Professor of Interdisciplinary Practice at the Central School of Speech and Drama), the group engaged in equitable exchange, and took part in activities centred around perception, research, and cultural collaboration. The discussions revolved around key themes identified by the group, which includes:

• Environment, ecology, and sustainability.
• Inclusive practices, learning disabled individuals, and social justice.
• Audience development and engagement.
• Co-creation and co-production with communities, emphasising socially engaged practices.
• Children and young people, early years, and PLAY.
• Arts, health, and well-being.

“Learnt loads about the part research can play in co-creation practices”

Researchers and cultural leaders sit in a circle watching a presentation led by Becky Kidner.

Opportunities for Collaboration

“From my conversations with academics, it felt there is genuine appetite for inclusive and innovative ways of planning for and conducting research, which is encouraging. “

Engaging with students was a popular topic discussed within the group. During the sessions we explored the variety of different ways a cultural partner can work with students. Examples include:

• PhD Project opportunities and Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA). Click here to find out about our latest CDA.
• Short research projects.
• Curriculum development opportunities including live briefs or projects as part of modules.
• Short-, medium- or long-term student paid work experience and volunteering.

Becky Kidner presenting on the different student opportunities that are available.

Key Takeaways

There is huge appetite and need in the arts and cultural sector and within academia to collaborate and there is a great deal of shared interest and curiosity (see themes above).

“ I gained a deeper understanding of the university and the various ways in which cultural organisations might collaborate with schools or individuals on research projects or student engagement.”

Participants reflected that a safe and equitable space had been created that had allowed them to start unpacking what knowledge, research and creativity means in a way that was inclusive of different approaches and life experiences. This is of special importance to the CI at a time when we are encouraging new ways of working with the sector.

Arts and cultural organisations are under enormous pressure, more so than ever before, on account of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, so for most of them being paid to attend was important. CAKE laid strong foundations for ongoing collaboration with the participants and for ongoing programming.

Sticky notes placed on glass with Research being the main theme.

What’s Next?

We are using the experience of CAKE so far to help shape our collaboration with the arts and cultural sector this year.

• We are supporting 2 PhD students to undertake short-term, part-time research projects with the Tetley and Yorkshire Dance. If you are a current PhD student registered at the University of Leeds — Apply for these opportunities up until Sunday 13th August.
• We are working on a programme of events open to all arts organisations in Leeds around some of the key themes the organisations involved identified. The aim of these events is to share knowledge, dive deeper into ideas and spark connections between arts organisations and researchers.
• We are also exploring options for more effectively sharing opportunities for engagement with researchers and students at the University with the Cultural Sector.

Researchers and cultural leaders sit in a circle as David Harradine concludes the session.

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If there’s anything you wish to discuss, please get in touch by emailing us at culturalinstitute@leeds.ac.uk or subscribe to our newsletter via this link.