We launched the Creative Sparks campaign in January 2022 to celebrate universities' contribution to the UK's creative excellence.
Research conducted by Savanta ComRes for Universities UK revealed that nearly two thirds (65%) of parents agree that creative courses at university benefit the UK economy, while more than two thirds (69%) say that students gain vital creative skills at university which are essential to powering the UK’s creative industries.
Our campaign responded to this research, showcasing the creative talent produced by UK universities and encouraging the government to promote and support the importance of creativity and creative courses.
Universities across the UK nominated their own 'creative sparks', including Keith Chapman, Norwich University of the Arts alumni and creator of the Bob the Builder, and Cressida Cowell MBE, University of Brighton alumni and author of How to Train Your Dragon.
My career would not have been possible without the skills I learned and people I met during my time at university. If the government wants our creative industries to remain the best in the world, they must show they understand how important creative courses are to their success.
Keith Chapman
Creator of Bob the Builder and PAW Patrol
As part of the campaign, we ran a competition to showcase the creativity sparked at UK universities. We invited students and graduates to use an artform of their choice to depict 'creativity made at uni' and share a photo or video of the end result, tagging our @MadeAtUni social media channels.
Writer and University of Chester alumni Ruth Estevez judged the competition, and selected three fantastic winners: BA Architecture student Niamh Ashley, MA Architecture student Connor Buckler, and BA Filmmaking student Victoria Connell.
BA Architecture student Niamh Ashley won first prize for her installation art piece made from blue egg crates. Niamh aimed to spread awareness of gender inequality through her piece.
BA Architecture student Connor Buckler won second prize with his short film about life in Leeds before and after the pandemic.
BA Filmmaking student Victoria Connell’s poem ‘Halls’ won third prize. Her poem gave an honest and heartfelt account of living in university halls during lockdown.
