“We are more than a mass of cells, more than a diagnosis, more than the label of service user and carer. Music connects with that, to make it real and bring it to life.”

How can we amplify the community voices and foster health and well-being in collaboration with practitioners and music?

Join Community Innovation Practitioner and classically trained cellist Georgina Aasgaard from the University of Liverpool, as she explores the importance of valuing practitioners' expertise as they work with diverse communities.

In this episode, Georgina examines a successful music and health programme by the Liverpool Philharmonic and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

You’ll visit collaborative music-making in action, including a library, a high-security hospital, and a community pantry. You’ll hear from the team and practitioners who deliver these courses and the participants who’ve benefitted from them.

Discover the power of practitioner-led, co-created music in diverse communities and the need for more participant voices and practitioner support structures.

Georgina’s Community Innovation Practitioner story proposes the "5 C's of Practice" - Connection, Collaboration, Creativity, Commitment, and Care - as a framework for co-designing supportive community environments.

Read the transcript here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Communities Podcast

01:36 Exploring Liverpool's Music and Health Programme

02:36 Georgina's Journey and Research

07:26 The Life Rooms: A Unique Social Model

10:31 Impact of Music on Mental Health

20:51 Co-Creation in High Secure Hospitals

25:35 St. Dunstan's Church: A New Community Hub

36:28 Challenges and Opportunities in Collaborative Music Making

44:11 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Useful links

About Georgina’s Creative Communities project - https://creativecommunities.uk/research/georgina-aasgaard

More from AHRC Creative Communities Programme, and to find out how to get involved - Creative Communities.uk

Thanks Thanks to the Life Rooms participants and staff for their trust and support, to visiting musicians Mandy Burvill, Claire Henry and Ian Stephens, Nicola Hopson and Michael Eakin from the Philharmonic, Michael Crilly from Mersey Care, and Jacky Waldock and Josie Billington from the University of Liverpool. -----------------------------------------

The Creative Communities podcast explores the power of cultural research and collaborative creativity. Join us as we discover how communities across the UK are tackling challenges and building a brighter future through groundbreaking projects.

Over six episodes, meet inspiring "Community Innovation Practitioners" leading the way. We'll follow their journeys of cultural collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, showcasing real-life examples of how creativity empowers communities to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.

“The success story is a change of culture internally. That's really difficult to do. Changing the direction of a massive ship while it's in transit is a tough thing.”

How can an accessible, design-led approach support genuine community engagement and collaboration?

Join Community Innovation Practitioner and researcher Gaston Welisch from Glasgow School of Art as he explores how the University of Glasgow’s Arts and Humanities Partnership Catalyst is fostering collaboration between academics and industry and third-sector partners.

In this episode, discover how Gaston’s use of creative methods has enhanced collaboration and understanding of Catalyst themes. You’ll hear from the Catalyst team who have designed and tested this engaging and accessible research and the participants who are benefiting from this approach.

You’ll also visit the most recent Catalyst project that aims to revitalise Govan Old Church in Glasgow as a community hub.

Hear Gaston’s Community Innovation Practitioner journey through the Catalyst from the challenges, to achieving valuable insights and genuine community engagement that will better design projects that truly reflect and service local needs.

Read the transcript here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Communities

01:37 The Catalyst, a Design-Led Knowledge Exchange

02:43 The Catalyst Workshops

04:24 Exploring Workshop Themes and Methods

05:10 Reflecting on the Catalyst Process

11:03 Challenges and Opportunities in Govan

18:38 The Role of Visual Tools in Collaboration

31:16 Participant Experiences and Feedback

41:49 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Useful links

About Gaston’s Creative Communities project - https://creativecommunities.uk/research/gaston-welisch

More from AHRC Creative Communities Programme, and to find out how to get involved - Creative Communities.uk

Thanks Thanks to Dr. Cheryl McGeachan and Prof. Stephen Driscoll for sharing their thoughts and time. My thanks also to the Catalyst team: Dr. Lindsay Middleton, Dr. Neil McIntyre, Dr. Fraser Rowan, Dr. Kirstie Wild, and Dr. Michael Pierre Johnson. I'm deeply appreciative of the participants and partners for the Govan Old Catalyst for sharing their knowledge and ideas. Their contributions are invaluable.

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The Creative Communities podcast explores the power of cultural research and collaborative creativity. Join us as we discover how communities across the UK are tackling challenges and building a brighter future through groundbreaking projects.

Over six episodes, meet inspiring "Community Innovation Practitioners" leading the way. We'll follow their journeys of cultural collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, showcasing real-life examples of how creativity empowers communities to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.

“This research project has given us a responsibility to do this. It’s put Portrush on the map as a skating destination.” How can collaboration and co-creation among skaters, partners, and local authorities build a stronger, inclusive and vibrant skateboarding community in Portrush?

Join Community Innovation Practitioner and Research Fellow Jim Donaghey from Ulster University, as he explores the power of partnership, collaboration and DIY culture to support the long-standing campaign for a skate park in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

In this episode, discover how preserving skateboarding heritage through videography, is helping to connect past and present generations of skaters. This is helping to foster a sense of community and supporting them to advocate for a dedicated skate space.

You'll visit skate spots, meet passionate skaters, and hear from urban sports experts and lots of different community voices, from local shop owners to parents.

Listen as Jim shares the story of this Creative Communities project, exploring the challenges and triumphs of creating a supported skate culture in his hometown.

BBC © copyright content reproduced courtesy of the British Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mvxy

Music: ‘Causeway Rebel’ Team Fresh, 2010. By Browne, Crowe, Donaghey, Dunbar, Evans, Kennedy, Friers, Shields.

Read the transcript here Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Communities Podcast

01:31 Exploring Portrush's Skateboarding Scene

03:33 The Skatepark Campaign: A 30-Year Journey

05:51 Challenges

08:12 Community Voices: Perspectives on Skateboarding

14:21 Station Square: A Hub for Skateboarding

18:12 DIY Culture and Community Efforts

27:35 Research Interventions and Their Impact

35:11 Reflections and Future Prospects

52:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Useful links About Jim’s Creative Communities project - https://creativecommunities.uk/research/jim-donaghey

More from AHRC Creative Communities Programme, and to find out how to get involved - Creative Communities.ukThanks

Deepest gratitude to Slaine Browne for all his creative work, and to everyone at Causeway Association of Urban Sports – we’ll get Portrush a skatepark yet. Thanks to Coast Carpentry for showing us what to do, and to Igloo Pizza and Babushka Café for keeping us fed and watered.

---------------------------------

The Creative Communities podcast explores the power of cultural research and collaborative creativity. Join us as we discover how communities across the UK are tackling challenges and building a brighter future through groundbreaking projects.

Over six episodes, meet inspiring "Community Innovation Practitioners" leading the way. We'll follow their journeys of cultural collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, showcasing real-life examples of how creativity empowers communities to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.

“Heritage doesn't matter if no one's going to engage with it. Changing how heritage is now used and interpreted means more audiences will engage with it.”

How are communities working together to breathe new life into post-industrial heritage sites?

Join Community Innovation Practitioner and Archaeologist Alex Langlands from Swansea University on a heritage journey through the Welsh valleys.

In this episode, explore how through collaboration and co-creation, communities in Neath Port Talbot are creating a more equitable and vibrant future for the region through their heritage.

You’ll visit Craig Gwladus Country Park, Nath Valley Ironworks, White Rock Copper Works and Parc Slip Colliery. All once hives of industrial activity, are now transformed into beautiful greenspaces, where people of all ages can play, connect and learn new skills.

You’ll also meet many local voices along the way like volunteers, storytellers and conservation experts.

Listen as Alex argues for a shift in traditional heritage management, including community engagement. However, this shouldn't be an afterthought; it should be central to preserving our heritage. The episode also highlights the dedication of volunteers who play a crucial role.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Communities Podcast

02:34 Challenges and Community Efforts in Craig Gwladus Country Park

04:18 Volunteer Initiatives and Achievements

08:24 Engaging the Youth and Expanding Heritage Projects

23:17 Neath Abbey Ironworks: A Historical Treasure

31:38 Exploring the White Rock Copperworks

32:18 Phil Okwedi's Storytelling and African Connections

38:51 Engaging with Industrial Heritage

47:54 Concluding Thoughts on Heritage and Community

50:24 Outro and Next Episode Preview

Useful Links

About Alex’s Creative Communities project - https://creativecommunities.uk/research/alexander-langlands

More from AHRC Creative Communities Programme and how to get involved - Creative Communities.uk

Thanks Thanks to the community at Craig Gwladus Country Park, to Lisa Kirman, Park Manager, Diane Davies, Chair of the Friends group, and the merry band of volunteers who generously give their time to keep the park open and accessible for all those who enjoy its remarkable beauty and tranquillity. ------------------

The Creative Communities podcast explores the power of cultural research and collaborative creativity. Join us as we discover how communities across the UK are tackling challenges and building a brighter future through groundbreaking projects.

Over six episodes, meet inspiring "Community Innovation Practitioners" leading the way. We'll follow their journeys of cultural collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, showcasing real-life examples of how creativity empowers communities to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.

Is collaboration rather than competition the key to unlocking a stronger, fairer UK?

Could Creative Communities be the answer?

This preview of our brand new Creative Communities podcast series introduces you to some of the people and stories featured in the upcoming episodes, and gives you a sneak peek of how the power of creativity and co-creation in research is supercharging social change in our communities.

In this preview episode you’ll hear about the Creative Communities programme, our Community Innovation Practitioners, and the team behind the scenes bringing the research and podcast to life.

The next episodes will be released in October 2024.

Read the transcript here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:54 Welcome to the Creative Communities Podcast

02:38 Defining Creative Communities

04:43 The Importance of Inclusivity in Research

09:18 Community Innovation Practitioner Pilot

12:21 Meet the Community Innovation Practitioners

15:35 Importance of Community-Based Research

23:39 Creating the Podcast: Experiences and Insights

27:44 Why You Should Listen to the Podcast

34:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Useful Links More from AHRC Creative Communities Programme, and how to get involved - Creative Communities.uk

Thanks

Many thanks to our guests Prof. Christopher Smith (AHRC Executive Chair), Kristine Zaidi (AHRC Associate Director of Programmes), Lord Neil Mendoza (Provost of Oriel College, Oxford University), Husna Mortuza (Associate Director for Public Engagement, Joseph Rowntree Foundation) and Helen Goulden OBE (Chief Executive Officer, The Young Foundation).

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The Creative Communities podcast explores the power of cultural research and collaborative creativity. Join us as we discover how communities across the UK are tackling challenges and building a brighter future through groundbreaking projects.

Over six episodes, meet the Community Innovation Practitioners leading the way. We'll follow their journeys of cultural collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, showcasing real-life examples of how creativity empowers communities to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.

What happens when you unleash the collective power of diverse communities, partners, research, and creativity?

The new Creative Communities podcast explores how groundbreaking cultural research, creativity and inclusive innovation in communities can empower us to build a stronger, more resilient UK.

Over six episodes, hear inspiring stories of change from across the UK. You’ll meet five Community Innovation Practitioners leading the way, working in partnership with cross-sector communities on remarkable new cultural projects.

Experience first-hand how these real-life community projects are using creativity to tackle challenges, embrace opportunities and build a brighter, more resilient future founded on inclusive innovation.

Whether you're a creative, researcher, funder, community leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of your local area, the Creative Communities podcast is packed with local voices, practical insights, inspiration and solutions you can use to inspire creative change and co-creation in your own community.

Discover how Creative Communities combines research and community collaboration to generate innovative solutions to the big opportunities and challenges facing us today.

The Creative Communities podcast is hosted by Professor Katy Shaw, programme director of Creative Communities, a research initiative funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The full series launches in October 2024, with a special preview episode coming in September.

Credits

Creative Communities is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (Grant Agreement No AH/X001555/1) and hosted at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

With podcast production and training from MIC media.