Universities, Art and Design at the Heart of Civic Placemaking
Today (1 October), leading figures from universities, cultural organisations and community groups gathered to explore how art and design can transform places and strengthen belonging. The Civic and Place: Exploring the Role of the Civic in Art and Design event, organised by the Council for Higher Education in Art and Design (CHEAD), coincided with the publication of a new national working paper, Civic and Place: framing the role of cultural development in Art and Design.
The paper argues that cultural placemaking is essential for animating towns and cities, helping people feel a stronger sense of identity and connection.
It identifies three priority areas where art and design can play a central role:
- Lifelong learning on the high street - reimagining underused spaces as civic learning hubs, supporting intergenerational skills-sharing and creativity.
- Creative health - embedding arts and culture in wellbeing strategies, recognising creativity as a driver of social connection and civic engagement.
- Inclusive heritage - amplifying marginalised voices and co-creating heritage projects that reflect the diversity of lived experience.
Speakers at the event included Professor Rowan Bailey (University of Huddersfield), Dr Rhiannon Jones (University of Derby), Professor Steve Millington (Manchester Metropolitan University), Evelyn Wilson (National Centre for Academic and Cultural Exchange), Adam Leach (Sheffield Hallam University) and Sandra Booth (CHEAD).
Professor Steve Millington commented:
“Universities are uniquely placed to support this agenda - bridging research, teaching and community partnerships to embed art and design as civic infrastructure. These findings strengthen the case for universities as anchor institutions in placemaking.”
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.