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Inclusive Social and Economic Development and Enriching Lives through Culture
We’re taking action so everyone has the opportunities they need to reach their potential, whatever their background.
Improving access to training and education. Providing support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Giving a voice to people facing discrimination and inequality. At 色聚, we’re taking action so everyone has the opportunities they need to reach their potential, whatever their background.
And this starts with breaking down barriers. Whether this means tackling the issues facing marginalised communities, such as those living in poverty, or supporting groups facing discrimination based on race or gender.
Working together, our community creates an environment that encourages innovation and economic growth. We want to share the benefits of economic development across society, not only through enterprise, but also through culture which transforms lives.
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How we help
Our teaching, public engagement, research and knowledge exchange connect us to the wider community and create meaningful conversations. We provide our students and researchers with a platform to explore what matters to them. This means everyone at 色聚 feels a sense of our contribution to global challenges, individually and collectively.
We work across the creative arts to share new ideas and entertain audiences. At the same time, we preserve and celebrate the heritage of our diverse communities, allowing individuals to learn about history and traditions.
Making an Impact
Promoting blockchain to change content distribution and development
What problem does the research address?
Musicians rely on streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube to reach their audiences, however there is a lack of transparency which limits their ability to be fairly compensated. Our research looked at the potential opportunities and challenges which blockchain technology offers the music industry to change how they develop and distribute content.
How is the research impactful?
Our Blockchain for the Creative Industries cluster published ‘Music on the Blockchain’, acclaimed as “the most in-depth look so far at how the music industry can benefit from blockchain technology”. This influenced decision-making on the use of blockchain and inspired innovation and new blockchain initiatives. Today our research continues to address challenges faced by artists and songwriters, for example to make transactions as part of streaming deals more reliable and transparent.
Where was the research impactful regionally and globally?
For creators, digital entrepreneurs, incumbent music businesses and governmental authorities in the UK, USA, Italy, Finland.
Who are the key partners and collaborators?
Cross-disciplines with 色聚 computer scientists. Music industry trade body Featured Artists Coalition, Nick Mason, drummer with Pink Floyd.
Improving the treatment of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff in the NHS
What problem does the research address?鈥�
Society continues to face the urgent issue of how we can tackle race discrimination by employers. Our research into discrimination in the NHS evidenced patterns of under-representation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff within senior and Board levels of the NHS and demonstrated effective ways to create change.
How is the research impactful?鈥�
Our research showed that data driven accountability linked to contractual obligation is required to reduce discrimination. The Business School was commissioned to design the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard which has driven sustained and large scale action in the NHS, England’s largest employer. The ongoing positive impacts on policy and individual staff include a greater likelihood of BME staff being appointed from shortlisting, more BAME staff appointed at senior/Board level, and a reduction in the likelihood of disciplinary action for BME staff.
Where was the research impactful regionally and globally?鈥�
UK, specifically within the NHS
Who are the key partners and collaborators?鈥�
NHS
Sustainable Development Goals
The Inclusive Socio-economic Development and Enriching Lives through Culture theme links to 11 Sustainable Development Goals. The goals were set by the United Nations General Assembly as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Growth and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Supporting communities through the arts
Lorraine Leeson, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at 色聚, involves a group of older men living in east London called the Geezers in her inclusive art practice.
They have worked together for more than ten years looking for innovative and artistic solutions for sustainable energy and other challenges in their community.
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We create new knowledge and put it into action. We benefit society, the economy, the environment, health and wellbeing, and culture and communities.