The University is supporting Creative Sparks #MadeAtUni, an ongoing national engagement programme which aims to celebrate the immense contribution UK universities make to the creative industries and future economic success.

Organised by Universities UK, the collective voice of 140 universities across the UK, Creative Sparks #MadeAtUni showcases how universities are producing the much-needed talent, innovation and skills for the creative sector to remain world-leading, as the nation recovers from the pandemic.

To demonstrate the positive impact The University of Manchester has on the wider community, the University has produced a short film featuring Chancellor Lemn Sissay OBE and English Literature student, Zainab Imran. The video can be seen on YouTube.

The University has also submitted Drama and English Literature graduate, Cara Looij, as a Creative Spark nominee, representing a talent that was ignited at university. Cara previously worked as a freelance facilitator of creative workshops in various contexts but mostly working with vulnerable young people. In her final year, Cara and some fellow students started a mental health initiative called INSANE, which aims to open dialogues and provide a platform for creative expression around the topic of mental health.

Cara currently works as a Support Time and Recovery worker for Greater Manchester Mental Health. Her role involves activities and engagement on an acute adult mental health ward.

• Watch our Creative Sparks film.
• More details can be found at MadeAtUni