Our Civic Mission
We are changing the way we work with local partners and communities to help make a difference locally.
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Goldsmiths has a long history of local engagement. From our founding in 1891 as a technical College to serve the local community in New Cross, we have committed to making a difference through teaching, research, knowledge exchange and public engagement.
Following a process of consultation, we are among the first universities in the UK to develop a Civic University Agreement, committing us to working even more closely with other local anchor institutions to find solutions to shared challenges. This includes helping recovery and regeneration from the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting people through the Cost-of-Living Crisis and partnering on cultural initiatives such as Lewisham’s year as London Borough of Culture in 2022.
Our Civic University Agreement is supported by a new Civic Strategy, which sets out our commitment to establishing ‘A Better World, Delivered Locally’.
Across all our work, our Civic Mission is rooted in working with local communities to address issues relating to:
- Economic opportunities, jobs and growth
- Educational opportunities and learning aspirations
- Culture, health and wellbeing
- Sustainability and climate action
Our Civic University Agreement
Co-produced with 11 local anchor institutions in the London Borough of Lewisham, our Civic University Agreement sets out a shared vision for making a difference locally.
Developed through consultation with local communities, businesses and stakeholders, together we have identified the priority areas where we can work together to improve the lives of those in our locality.
Read more about our Civic University Agreement.
Our Civic Strategy
‘A Better World – delivered locally’ has been a focus for Goldsmiths since its initial foundation in 1891. Our Civic Strategy renews this commitment for the twenty-first century and shows how we will continue to make a difference through teaching, research, knowledge exchange, public engagement and our Green New Deal.
How we work with local communities
From widening participation and engaged research to business support and cultural engagement, we support our local communities in many ways and offer a wide range of local services.
Working with local partners, our Civic University Agreement has also enabled us to develop new initiatives, like our Civic Days staff volunteering programme and our Civic Catalysts participatory research initiative.
Read more about our work with local communities and what’s on offer.
Team
- Vivienne Hurley – Director of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
- Dr Michael Eades – Head of Civic Engagement
- Will Cenci – Public Engagement Manager
- Polly Grieve Russell – Civic & Public Engagement Assistant
How to get involved
We are always open to hearing from local organisations that may want to explore new ways of working with us. Please send us an email to community (@gold.ac.uk) and we reply as soon as possible.
If you are a member of staff or student at Goldsmiths and interested in getting involved in any of our civic work, please contact community (@gold.ac.uk).