Artist Appointed to Lead the University of Worcester’s Cultural Work

An artist and cultural policy expert has been appointed to lead the University of Worcester’s cultural engagement work in the community.

Professor Lisa Stansbie is a practising artist, as well as being a triathlete, whose research focuses on the crossover between sport and art, with a particular interest in cultural Olympiads, cultural policy, design for sport and practice-based performance and endurance work.

In her new role, as Pro Vice Chancellor Education, Society and Culture, part of the University’s Senior Executive team, she will work with local arts and cultural organisations across the City and the wider region to drive the University’s engagement and contribution to these fields.

“I was particularly drawn to this exciting opportunity to be part of a values-based institution such as the University of Worcester,” said Professor Stansbie. “The University has grown a reputation for widening participation, diversity and inclusion and its partnership work, such as the development of The Hive, is an excellent example of how universities and communities can work together as a force for good. I believe the rich mix of subjects that the University offers also has huge potential for further collaborative work across the region.”

Professor Stansbie joins Worcester from Leeds Beckett University where she was Dean of The Leeds School of Arts. She will guide and support the University’s Schools of Arts, Business, Education and Humanities, advancing education, research and knowledge exchange whilst enhancing student and staff achievements.

Lisa previously worked as a teacher in secondary schools and in further education before joining the University of Huddersfield and later Leeds Beckett University. She has been an external panel expert, consultant and doctoral examiner for higher education institutions nationally and internationally and has undertaken advocacy work around the sector’s involvement in creative education.

She has a sustained record of high-quality research outputs that include exhibitions, journal articles, book chapters and artefacts. She has also supervised doctoral students across arts, humanities and sport.