Creative Entrepreneur boosts innovation in arts research

Researchers at the University of Reading will benefit from a Creative Entrepreneur in Residence to help boost knowledge exchange with creative businesses and drive innovation in arts and humanities disciplines.

Tim Powell has joined the University of Reading as Creative Entrepreneur in Residence. Over the next three years Tim will work with colleagues across the University’s Heritage & Creativity (H&C) research theme to develop connections with, and share inspiration from, the creative industries.

The three year programme begins by raising awareness of opportunities for all researchers and curating a programme of talks and demonstrations from industry speakers showcasing inspirational projects and emerging trends. Training in new approaches, technologies and relevant business models will be provided. In subsequent years, the programme will recruit a small cohort of H&C Creative Entrepreneurs. The core of Tim’s work will be in mentoring this cohort: they will develop concepts for pilot projects together, informed by existing research activities and new engagement with external partners.

Tim will work directly with the Research Deans for H&C, Business Relationship Managers in the University’s Knowledge Transfer Centre and a wide range of researchers over the coming months to support a culture of creative entrepreneurship.

Tim Powell said: “I’m looking forward to inspiring times on campus over the next three years and working with a wide range of researchers and staff at the University of Reading. It will certainly be a two-way process: showcasing innovations from the creative industries and securing opportunities through partnerships to take the fascinating research done here to new and wider audiences."

Dr Carol McAnally, Head of Business Relationships and Commercialisation at the Knowledge Transfer Centre at the University of Reading said: “Tim’s appointment follows on from the success of the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence in the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy. We look forward to expanding our business engagement activities with the creative industries and growing the confidence and understanding of business and entrepreneurship among our staff and students in creative disciplines during Tim’s residency.”

Professor John Gibbs, Research Dean for Heritage and Creativity at the University of Reading said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim to the University. This is an exciting opportunity that will help us develop new partnerships and extend collaborative research with the creative industries to help showcase the University’s excellence in these areas. Alongside the Cine Valley project, a new film and TV production hub at the Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, Tim’s appointment is one of the major opportunities that the University is developing in the creative sector.”

About Tim Powell

Tim Powell is a freelance producer and creative consultant. As a producer he creates award-winning experiences that combine immersive technology, live performance and physical installations - delighting audiences in venues, public spaces, at festivals and online. As a consultant he helps organisations develop strategies for innovation and approaches to immersive storytelling - presenting and teaching his work internationally.

He is currently Executive Producer for The Gunpowder Plot - a new feature length immersive theatrical experience featuring physical sets and live performance combined with VR and multi-sensory FX, opening May 2022.

Previously, as Head of the R&D Studio, he led the creative innovation strategy for Historic Royal Palaces - who look after the UK’s most-visited heritage attractions including the Tower of London. Whilst there he led projects spanning social media campaigns, online interactives, on-site installations, live performances and new immersive experiences - including the multiple award-winning The Lost Palace.

Find out more at www.timpowell.uk