Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and ARC Student Creative Collective

Project Team

Staff Partner: Miranda Sheild Johansson

Student Partners: David Edgar, Gabriella Santini, Zara Khan

UCL Anthropology

Case study by Gabriella Santini

What did you set out to do and why was this project important?

This year, our objective was to continue publishing student work while expanding our visibility within the department. To achieve this, we launched an Instagram page, organised a writing workshop, and initiated a creative writing competition. These initiatives were important because we aim to foster a student-led, student-focused community that showcases diverse forms of anthropological expression—especially those that go beyond traditional academic conventions. It is essential that our student body is aware of the project and feels empowered to contribute and participate, ensuring that the Collective remains inclusive and representative of the department’s creativity.

How did it go?

Overall, the project went very well. Student partners collaborated closely with departmental staff to organise the workshop and competition. We coordinated publicity efforts, with both the department and our Instagram page promoting the initiatives to maximise reach and engagement.

What was the outcome of the project? What difference has this made to staff or students?

We saw increased engagement compared to the previous year. The blog became more established, with 16 students submitting pieces and 9 completing the process through to publication. Our readership steadily grew, with published pieces receiving between 100 and 250 views each.
The writing workshop attracted around 30 students who participated in stimulating activities that inspired many to enter the writing competition on the theme of transformation. Below are some participant reflections:

• “I’m really excited to be part of this inaugural edition!”
• “Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this beautiful initiative—I really enjoyed the process of writing this piece and reflecting on what transformation means across borders and time.”

Overall, we feel that we succeeded in creating inclusive spaces that encouraged diverse forms of student expression beyond traditional academic formats.

What was involved in terms of approach, logistics, time or resources? 

A significant amount of work went into promoting, editing, and publishing blog pieces, averaging around 2 hours per week throughout the Academic Year. Organising the workshop and running the writing competition also required considerable time and coordination. Fortunately, we have a strong team, and I was able to delegate tasks effectively, which helped manage the workload.

ChangeMakers projects are intended to support students and staff working in partnership. How did this aspect of the project go?

I worked closely with Miranda, whose support and invaluable insights greatly benefited the project. Editorial decisions, especially around sensitive language in submissions, sometimes required careful consideration, and Miranda’s experience in academia was essential in navigating these challenges.

What was your specific role in the project? What did you learn as a result of being involved?

I served as the lead student and managing editor of the Collective. My responsibilities included receiving submissions, delegating them to student editors based on their expertise/interests, overseeing the review process, coordinating with contributors, and publishing final drafts on the website. I also managed the Instagram page and liaised with the department to promote our work through the weekly newsletter. Through this role, I developed valuable skills in project management, editorial decision-making, and digital communication.

What, if any, are your next steps for this project?

Given the success of our writing workshop, we plan to organise more in-person events featuring guest speakers. These events will help build a stronger sense of community within the department by offering engaging activities that are creative and less academically formal.e forms of student expression beyond traditional academic formats

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the lasting impact this small Collective has had within the department. The online publication space we have created will remain accessible for future students, providing inspiration and demonstrating that anthropology can be playful and creative, not just serious academic writing. This year, the Collective also offered
international students a platform to share their experiences of moving to London and studying at UCL. Contributions explored themes such as identity, more-than-human agency, and loss. I am proud that the Collective has become a space where students feel empowered to express themselves authentically.

What advice would you give another team or department who wanted to do a similar project?

1. Define clear objectives from the outset to guide your activities effectively.
2. Establish a strong partnership with supportive staff members.
3. Ensure your department’s communication team is fully on board, as their support is crucial for increasing your project’s visibility.
4. Delegate tasks within your team to manage workload efficiently.

Resources

See The Collective’s website