Institute of Cultural Practice student placement with Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料: Callum Henry
MA Student Callum Henry spent 20 weeks with Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料 work with the Creativity, Health and Wellbeing research theme, supporting events and exhibitions.
My name is Callum, and I am a master's student studying Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料. Since December 2025, I have been on placement with Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料, where I have supported and learned about the wide range of activities the platform undertakes. This has included gaining insight into how Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料 operates as a research platform within the University, and how this work translates into exhibitions and public events.
My decision to return to university was driven by a strong interest in how creative practice and the arts can contribute to health and community regeneration and particularly how communities can work collaboratively to create meaningful change. I have worked in different organisations around Community Collaboration and wanted an insight into what the University does to engage with the community and different engagement approaches. When the opportunity to apply for a placement with Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料 arose, I recognised it as an ideal way to explore how academic research and cross-sector collaboration can influence community development both within the University and across the wider region. The organisation鈥檚 strong network of community and arts partners made the placement feel like a perfect fit.
During my time at Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料, my role focused on supporting the delivery of events and exhibitions developed through both internal research and external partnerships. I contributed to audience engagement evaluation, assisted with social media promotion in the lead-up to events, and supported the organisation of activities from early planning stages, such as researching venues, coordinating catering, and drafting event briefs, through to acting as an ambassador on the day.
Two particularly memorable projects that demonstrate the depth and impact of Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 work were the International Women鈥檚 Day event held in collaboration with and the Hulme Nannas' exhibition of (in)visibility, community and urban change.
The Hulme Nannas' exhibition of (in)visibility, community and urban change was a community-focused project involving women over the age of 50 living near the University. Created by author and artist Anthea Cribbin, and led by researchers Tina Cribbin and Niamh Kavanagh, the exhibition explored 黑料网吃瓜爆料's position within Hulme, an area historically marked by deprivation but now undergoing significant regeneration and gentrification. The project provided a platform for local residents to share their perspectives, raising important questions around place-making, identity, and community voice during periods of substantial change.
, was the largest event during my placement and highlighted Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Thoughtful considerations, such as providing takeaway food options during Ramadan, helped ensure all attendees could fully participate. The event featured a panel discussion on inequalities in employment for women over 50 in 黑料网吃瓜爆料, from the project Uncertain Futures, alongside contributions from local residents involved in the research. Performances from artists within Muslim and Turkish communities added a celebratory dimension, showcasing the strength of collaboration between the University and its wider community. It was a diverse, inclusive, and genuinely collaborative event, and a great example of Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料 at its best.
These examples are just two of the activities I was able to get involved in during my time at Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料. There where lots of other events that took place from AI in Music through to Creative Inspiration from Plants, Memorial Launches and research symposiums. Alongside this, I supported a diverse range of exhibitions from Moss Worlds, through to Biblical Women. The diversity of activities that took place where really interesting and showed different approaches delivery, teaching me a great deal
This placement has helped me develop both my confidence and my commitment to working collaboratively with communities to address challenges around health, equality, and access to the creative industries. I have gained valuable insight into how meaningful partnerships can bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact. The work undertaken by Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is vital in fostering these connections, and it has provided me with approaches and perspectives that I will carry forward in my future work.
I am extremely grateful for my time at Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料. The team were welcoming, supportive, and deeply passionate about their work. I would strongly encourage anyone who has not yet attended one of their events to do so, they cover a wide range of topics and are consistently engaging and inspiring. The exhibitions in the Samuel Alexander Building鈥檚 glass corridor are also not to be missed; having worked with the team, I now appreciate the care and effort that goes into curating and regularly updating this space.
For anyone considering a placement that offers genuine insight into community engagement, academic collaboration, and creative approaches to complex social challenges, Creative 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is an opportunity not to overlook. It has been an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the entire team for hosting me.