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Letters for Learners

Letters for Learners provided the latest thinking and discoveries from researchers at Newcastle University through letterboxes from Hertfordshire to Northumberland.

In 2015 six academics worked with Cap-a-Pie to compose letters to members of the public inviting them to understand and inform academic research through creative tasks.

The project proved a positive experience for both researchers and recipients. The letters built a close connection between researcher and recipient enabling a deep and personal engagement, whilst the use of creative arts allowed the recipient to gain an in depth understanding of the research. Recipients were excited and motivated to find out about academic research and felt they better understood how research impacted on their lives. Most notably they were very keen to assist the academic with their research and understand how the interaction was ‘useful’.

The Team: 

Letters for Learners

Brad McCormick: facilitator

Dr Michael Richardson: project lead

Dr Eleanor Holmes: writing consultant

Katy Vanden: producer

Letters were written by:

Jayne Carrick, PhD Researcher: School of Marine Science and Technology

Dr Quoc Vuong, Senior Lecturer: Institue of Neuroscience

Kate Stobbart, PhD Researcher: School of Arts and Cultures

Matt Jenkins, PhD Researcher: Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies

Dr Stacy Gillis, Lecturer: School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics

Dr Michael J Richardson, Lecturer in Human Geography: School of Geography, Politics and Society

Funded by:

NICAP logo

WORKING WITH UNIVERSITIES

Cap-a-Pie work with researchers to co-create at every stage of the research process. We can provide participatory creative workshops for academics and as part of research projects and we can work with partners to produce theatre workshops and productions to disseminate research findings.

WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

We engage with people from all backgrounds and generations through partnerships with third sector, voluntary, education and statutory organisations. We work with a range of groups including older people, school pupils, immigrant communities, looked after children, NEET young people, homeless adults and young people, young people with ASD and children and families.

THEATRE PRODUCTION

We produce both professional and community theatre productions that engage with participants and audiences. Through our exiting and dynamic work with communities and academics we aim to produce work that is both challenging, accessible and thought provoking. We play with devising, audience interaction, participation and immersive theatre techniques in the creation and performance of work.