88. Collaboration without Borders

Kada Research were commissioned by HEY Creative, the Cultural Compact for Hull and East Yorkshire, to conduct scoping research into the current and potential international creative and cultural links within Hull and East Yorkshire. It also aimed to highlight the importance of cross sectoral working and the benefits of creative and cultural activities to the economy, social wellbeing and health.

Kada consulted creative and cultural organisations and wider stakeholders based in the HEY region to learn more about their previous and current international connections, enablers and barriers to international connections and the potential for new international connections to be forged in the future. Inquires looked not only at creative and cultural links, but a cross-sectoral collaborations such as the link between art and mental health care. Following inquires, Kada presented a list of over 50 global connections to the HEY Creative Board who identified four connections for in-depth study. These were Flanders, Rotterdam, Fengtai and the University of the Arctic.

Kada undertook a thorough desk review of each identified region, drawing parallels between the international region and HEY. Research focused on imports and exports, the creative and cultural sector, shared history and heritage, demography and examples of best practice. Through increased focus, engagement and funding, greater creative, civic, academic and commercial connections can be developed between these regions, with culture as a conduit for stronger international relationships.

Kada drafted several recommendations to support HEY Creative to develop international creative and cultural connections. These included nurturing soft power by encouraging and facilitating exchanges between regions, better showcasing the impact of international collaborations, providing tailored support for organisations looking to develop international links and developing an action plan for cultural and cross-sectoral collaboration.

You can find out more about the report here.

If you are thinking about commissioning a research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk.