Repurposing the Campus 3: Artists, Universities and Research

This one-day gathering brings together people who work with art and artists within universities to consider how artistic practice can shape research culture, public engagement and institutional change. There is no fee for attending and refreshments, lunch and dinner will be provided by UCL. UCL can signpost hotels who can offer a discount on accommodation.

Through presentations, structured conversations, and collective reflection, we will examine how universities might support and value more ambitious, reciprocal, and outward-facing relationships between art, research, and civic life.

Designed for those working across artistic, academic and institutional contexts, the programme offers space to exchange ideas, build networks, share practical experience and imagine new models of collaboration between artists and universities. 

Programme

9AM – 9.55AM

REGISTRATION

10AM – 10.45AM

Opening Session: Networking and Table Provocations

The day begins with a facilitated networking session built around themed discussion tables and short provocations drawn from the core questions of the programme. This opening conversation is designed to connect participants across disciplines, surface shared challenges and ambitions, and frame the discussions that follow.

11AM – 12 Noon

Presentations and Discussion

Three short presentations will introduce a wider discussion with delegates about the role of artistic practice within contemporary research culture and the university. 

Themes include:

• New research into artists working within higher education 
• Knowledge exchange
• Reframing value

12PM –12.30PM

Reflections

A collective opportunity to identify and discuss key issues and ideas.

12.30PM – 1.30PM

LUNCH

Lunch provides time for informal conversation, networking, and continued discussion around the themes raised during the morning. 

1.30PM – 3PM

Rotational Breakout Discussions

The afternoon is organised as a rotational series of breakout discussions, allowing participants to move through three themed conversations.

Round 1 | 1.30PM – 2PM

Spaces as Interpreters and Translators of Research 

How can galleries and cultural spaces mediate complex research for broader publics, and what kinds of artistic collaboration enable research to have greater impact, reach and significance?

Round 2 | 2PM – 2.30PM

Institutional Realities, Constraints, and Possibilities

What institutional structures, resources and cultures support meaningful artistic practice within universities, and where do artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners encounter barriers or opportunities for change?

Round 3 | 2.30PM – 3PM

Knowledge Exchange as the Public Life of Art and Research

How might universities and artists rethink knowledge exchange?

These discussions are intended to help participants test ideas from multiple perspectives, share practical experience, and identify opportunities for future collaboration. 

3PM – 3.15PM

BREAK

3.15PM – 4PM

Reconvening in Plenary

A shared session to explore connections, reflect and expand on ideas and prepare for the closing discussion. This structure is intended to help participants test ideas from multiple perspectives, share practical experience, and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

4PM – 4.30PM

Closing Session: Legacy, Networks, and Next Steps

The closing session considers how we might move forward together: what kinds of networks need to be built, what collaborations should continue and how universities, artists, and cultural practitioners might collectively shape future forms of research culture and public engagement.

4.30PM - 5.30PM

BREAK

5.30PM onwards

Drinks Reception, Performance, and Dinner 

The day concludes with a drinks reception, performance, and dinner at UCL East, offering a final opportunity for conversation and exchange alongside the opportunity to see artists’ engagement with UCL’s wider research programme.