Established by Arts and Culture in 2019, originally as a Critical Friends Network, the purpose of this group is to strengthen connections between colleagues who are working with creativity at the University, and to provide a welcoming environment for bouncing around ideas.

We have settled into a regular format:

• Sarah Campbell, Associate Director for Arts and Culture, is host and sends meeting requests and periodic emails to inform members of upcoming sessions.
• We meet termly, online (although sometimes in person) for an hour, where 2-3 invited speakers from the University share short presentations about their work. These presentations are deliberately informal and brief, about 5-7 minutes duration, so that preparation isn’t onerous. Sarah arranges the programme of speakers in advance and, when time allows, will also include updates on Arts and Culture activity.
• Members are invited to reflect on each presentation, sharing further connections and network suggestions. This is not a space for sharp critique, but an opportunity to enjoy learning from each other and take inspiration from each other’s work. It is an hour out of the day to take off the armour and reconnect with creativity.
• We have had speakers on a huge range of topics, spanning academic, PS and ECR activities. The common thread is an interest in working creatively, either with creative practitioners, or employing creative techniques, or studying creativity itself. You don’t have to be a creativity specialist to join us, just have an interest and curiosity in the subject.

If you would like to join the mailing list, please contact s.e.campbell2@exeter.ac.uk and put ‘A&C Community of Practice’ in the title of your email. You will be sent information about the upcoming sessions and meeting requests for your calendar. Do please let Sarah know if you would also be interested in contributing as a speaker.