Mapping the Arts and Cultural Interventions Ecosystem
5 September 2017

The AHRC Hubs demonstrated that there are many forms a Creative Hub can take. But, in principle, Hubs work by putting in place the infrastructure and support needed by different sector partners to become better connected and better coordinated in the delivery of innovative policy, products or services. In this way, a Hub can help partners tap external knowledge and pool complementary skills; can support collaborative peer-to-peer learning that shares risk and drives innovation; and can nurture networks that open access to new markets, practices, and technologies.

This is often best achieved through offering a variety of support mechanisms tuned to the particular needs of an area of work. In the world of Arts, Cultural and Health, there is considerable opportunity for a Hub-like innovation model that supports new collaborative research partnerships between academics (STEAM), public-sector organisations, cultural bodies, small businesses and healthcare providers, amongst others. But, this relies on a thorough understanding of the different partners involved with their own needs, interests, challenges, and capacities.

Our first development Lab looked closely at the different sector partners that make up the dementia ‘Arts, Culture, and Health’ ecology. Together, we worked to highlight the most pressing cross-sector challenges and opportunities in driving new forms of cross-sector R&D. By identifying those best working practices already in place for fostering interactions between sectors, we are now better positioned to adapt our innovation model to the demands of this complex sector.

Two creative voucher projects were funded in this round:

A Creativity Audit for Post-Diagnosis Dementia Care

Activity Academy – Inspiring Personalised Support and Fuller Lives in Care homes

Photography:Gareth Jones