About Culture Forward
Culture Forward is a vital driver of University’s civic mission through drawing together a network of the University’s experts, students and researchers; and arts, cultural, creative, heritage and community organisations that are based - or working - in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The Culture Forward initiative draws two communities - Birmingham and West Midlands-based cultural, creative and community organisations; and the University’s academics, researchers and experts - into a single network to:
- Create more impactful and meaningful research collaborations
- Expand the opportunities for our students to develop their skills and career aspirations
- Engage industry partners in teaching activities and curriculum delivery
- Celebrate diverse cultural heritage locally and regionally through joint programming
Culture Forward is a key aspect of the University’s civic mission, supporting social cohesion, community wellbeing, knowledge exchange, creative vitality, innovation and enterprise.
Please complete this form if you are an organisation interested in joining the Culture Forward network and a member of our team will be in touch. To learn more about the initiative, please have a look at our Charter.
What do we do?
Meet the team
Academic Lead: Professor Sara Jones
Academic Lead: Professor Sara Jones
Sara Jones is the Academic Lead of Culture Forward. She is Professor of Languages, Cultures and Societies and Deputy Director of Research for the College of Arts and Law. She has significant experience of engaged research in the fields of art and culture, NGOs and education.
Operational Lead: Dr David Evans-Powell
Operational Lead: Dr David Evans-Powell
Dr David Evans-Powell is the Operational Lead within the College of Arts and Law, managing relationships with critical partners across the cultural, creative and other sectors that further strategic teaching, research and civic ambitions.
David has over 20 years’ experience working in the cultural and higher education sectors in development, stewardship, relationship and stakeholder management. He is a proud University of Birmingham alumnus, holding a BA History with Ancient History and Archaeology and a PhD Film Studies, and has previously published articles and chapters on British screen horror
David is a supporter of the Campaign for the Arts and has lifelong passions for theatre, film, television, museums and heritage.
Operational Support: Rebecca Orleans
Operational Support: Rebecca Orleans
Rebecca (Becki) Orleans is the College of Arts and Law Partnerships Officer and has been a dedicated member of Professional Services at the University of Birmingham since 2017.
In her roles, she supports research projects and public engagement activities, fostering strong connections within the University and with the wider community.
Becki holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Leisure Management. She brings valuable experience in organising events and conferences, further enriching her contributions to Culture Forward.
In addition to her professional services work, Becki is a passionate multidisciplinary photographer. Her creative practice has led to her work being regularly exhibited across the country, and she is an active member of several photography communities.
Background
Culture Forward was founded by Professor Ewan Fernie, Chair of Shakespeare Studies and Fellow at the University’s Shakespeare Institute. The initiative was inspired by the success of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the pioneering Everything to Everybody project.
Birmingham is a forward thinking and dynamic city, with an arts and culture scene that is second to none. Collaboration is key in this sector and Culture Forward further strengthens the relationship between the city and the university to deliver civic culture and pride. The University of Birmingham is one of the city council’s key partners and I am delighted to be working with colleagues at the university to celebrate our city’s uniqueness and diversity through arts and culture.
