Merseyside's Shakespeare North Playhouse and Ormskirk's Edge Hill University have announced a local collaboration to offer a "shared vision of using culture and creativity to benefit society".
Over an initial three-year partnership, both organisations will explore innovative opportunities for their sectors, the region and wider communities, to develop cultural experiences with access for all; provide opportunities for learning, education and skills; support the health and wellbeing of the community and contribute to the shaping of a vibrant, cultural and well-connected community and stronger local economy.
Creative director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, Laura Collier, said: “The alignment of our shared values enables this collaboration to have a profound and lasting effect.
"Together we are poised to not only nurture talent and enhance employability for young people, but also to ignite new research and cultural initiatives that will create real change."
Edge Hill University pro vice-chancellor Liam Owens added: “We want to demonstrate how higher education and cultural institutions can collaborate to generate real social change. We are looking forward to exploring new opportunities for research and, importantly, for improving the skills and employability of our students.”
In the next 12 months the partnership will focus on sharing creative learning practices and exploring their measurable impact. Edge Hill students will have a range of hands-on opportunities through placements, live briefs and employability initiatives. The partnership will also deliver workshops in local schools, aimed at inspiring young people through creativity and learning.
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