About Us

We are a growing, dynamic alliance of University arts and culture programmes, arts centres and galleries.

On behalf of its members, UCAN UK (University Centres for Arts Network UK) supports and advocates for: 

• The unique relationship and benefits between higher education and the arts and culture sector
• The integrity of University generated cultural programming and societal impact as linked to research, civic engagement and education transformation 
• Creative and artistic development of those in HE such as students, recent graduates, academics and wider staff
• Partnership opportunities between members and other consortium and collective bodies

Together we raise the profile of and celebrate our contribution to the UK’s arts and culture landscape, and members increasingly important role in the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve including student and staff bodies. It is common practice for UCAN UK members to also provide collaborative possibilities for cross-disciplinary developments in arts and culture. Linked to such, our members play an ongoing role in city place shaping and engagement, as for instance when delivering public meaning to initiatives like the Civic University.

As a collective body UCAN UK also provide a collaborative space for celebrating/sharing/highlighting best practice between Higher Education and the arts and cultural sector, organising organisational and personal professional development opportunities, nurturing talent, promoting diversity and fostering creative risk taking.

Though always public-facing, our members also support student communities to nurture and grow into the next generation of artists, practitioners, producers and audiences.