CivicLAB™ How do we build communities?

Description

CivicLAB™ in partnership with Culture Derby and Derby Cathedral invite you to a special event, focusing on ‘How do we build communities, ‘brick by brick’? Derby Cathedral has been a long-term partner of the University of Derby and CivicLAB ™ and we are proud that this event forms a part of the ‘Brick by Brick’ festival programme.

This evening will focus on community building and placemaking, specifically looking at the challenges, opportunities and successes that can be seen across Derby and Derbyshire. The event will feature a panel of community experts from across the county who will share their expertise, insights and recommendations.

Panellists include:
Alix Manning Jones
Alix Manning-Jones is Culture Derby’s newly appointed Director, Alix is keen to develop a shared vision for culture in Derby bringing together partners from across the city who want to be part of creating a vibrant city for Derby with culture at its heart.

Alix has worked in the cultural sector for over 10 years starting her career as an Education Associate for the Royal Shakespeare Company followed by working in leading theatre’s across the country as a director and producer. Alix settled in Derby in 2015 and worked as Derby’s Cultural Education Producer, then as the Opportunity Area Programme Manager to tackle social mobility in our city and most recently as the Family Hub Programme Lead for Derby transforming Children Centre’s into Family Hubs working across sectors and delivering a sustainable partnership approach to supporting families from 0-19 and up to 25 for young people with SEND.

Theresa Peltier DL
Theresa enjoyed a 27 year career in the police service before retiring from Derbyshire Constabulary in 2019 as Head of Equity Diversity & Inclusion. She was installed as High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2023 and made a Deputy Lieutenant by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant in January 2024. As well as being the proud recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Derby in the same year, she is a strong advocate of the university and the work they do, particularly regarding inclusion.

Theresa also chairs the Nominations Committee for Derby Cathedral, and holds a number of Board positions, including  trustee for National Crimebeat – the High Sheriffs’ Association for young people, the Embark Federation, The Living Recovery Foundation and is patron of Friends of Foston Hall.

Kim Harper
Kim Harper is the CEO of Community Action Derby, a registered charity providing support and guidance for voluntary and community groups. Community Action Derby support with all aspects of running a community organisation and are the volunteer centre for Derby City. Kim is a strong advocate for the community and voluntary sector in the city and the important role the sector plays in building and supporting communities.

Jonathan Dwerryhouse
Jonathan is the interim director of Derby Multifaith Centre and is the Strategy and Partnership manager at Community Action Derby. Jonathan has a wealth of experience supporting different communities across the city, supporting grassroots initiatives, events and projects.

Hannah Bowdler (Junction Arts)
Hannah Bowdler is the Development Manager at Junction Arts, a pioneering community arts charity that has been enriching lives across North Derbyshire for almost 50 years. Hannah has worked in the creative and community sector for over a decade and worked for Junction Arts for the last 5 years.

Dr Ali Akbar
Dr. Ali Akbar is a lecturer in social and community studies and serves as a Muslim chaplain at University of Derby. before Joining University, he had worked as a Director of Minhaj ul Quran International, and developed inclusive curriculum for Muslim children attending local mosques. His research interests encompass inclusive education, faith and culture, empowered communities, and responsive care. Dr. Akbar has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences and has been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC. His commitment to fostering understanding and support within diverse communities is evident in both his academic and pastoral endeavours.

What is CivicLAB(TM) 
CivicLAB™ is based at the University of Derby which is situated in a UNESCO City of Life Long Learning and a county that is home to multiple World Heritage Sites. It has been designed to support academics, creative and cultural industry professionals and freelance creatives to share their insights on research and practice through a place-based approach to knowledge generation.

The CivicLAB™ is led by Dr Rhiannon Jones, Associate Professor (Civic Practice) and Head of Civic and Communities at the University of Derby. CivicLAB™ is located centrally to the University’s core business, within the Provost of Learning and Teaching. The work of CivicLAB™ supports the six academic themes, with close alignment to Cultural and Creative Industries. It is an interdisciplinary group that cuts across research and innovation, and teaching and learning.

Open to the publicOpen to the public.

www.derby.ac.uk/civic

*This event is to raise funds for Derby Cathedral.