The newly formalised partnership will foster greater collaboration in film, media, research, education and civic engagement in the city, leveraging Bristol’s UNESCO designation and the University’s global reach and academic excellence.
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “It’s brilliant to be formalising the partnership between Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation and the University of Bristol through the signing of this Memorandum, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting the city’s ambitions as a thriving, inclusive and globally connected film hub. Building on our values of civic engagement, cultural innovation and global outreach, this newly cemented relationship will only strengthen Bristol’s position as a leading centre for screen-based creativity and research.”
Professor Esther Dermott, Pro Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol, said: “I am delighted to be able to realise this partnership which reflects our commitment to investing in and scaling up work in the strategically important creative and cultural industries. It offers us an opportunity to work collaboratively with the City Council and partners across Bristol to integrate our cutting-edge education and research with commercial partners and sector leading organisations. It will provide new opportunities for global opportunities across the creative sector as both Bristol and Mumbai (the home of our newest University campus) hold UNESCO City of Film status.”
Bristol was designated a UNESCO City of Film in 2017 in recognition of its rich film heritage, vibrant screen industries, and enduring commitment to creativity and cultural exchange. It is part of the global UNESCO Creative Cities Network, comprising more than 400 member cities in over 100 countries, including 30 Cities of Film. The designation contributes to Bristol’s cultural policy by playing a strategic role in convening partnerships, aligning local initiatives with global goals, and embedding sustainable development principles across the sector through policy development, advocacy and knowledge exchange.
The University of Bristol plays a pivotal role in the city’s cultural and academic landscape, with global ambitions exemplified by the launch of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus, a home for collaborative learning across disciplines, industries and communities based in the centre of India’s financial capital. Mumbai was named a UNESCO City of Film in 2019. and the Campus, set to offer postgraduate degrees in finance, data science, and arts when it opens this Summer, is a strategic platform for strengthening ties and collaboration between the two UNESCO Cities of Film. The University is also at the forefront of moving image research and innovation, with world-leading expertise spanning film theory, digital media, immersive technologies, and creative practice.
Through the MoU, both partners affirm their dedication to harnessing the power of film and screen culture to foster inclusive growth, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen Bristol’s role on the global stage.