How the creative arts transform knowledge into action

Theatre as living, breathing history

Imagine stepping into history, culture, and creativity all at once. This is the theatre magic of the Newham Plays by our James Kenworth, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing. Performed in the heart of East London’s docklands, these immersive productions bring together professional actors and young local talent, transforming everyday spaces into vibrant stages of storytelling.  

More than just performances, they are living, breathing histories – sparking pride, connection, and artistic growth. Young people from all backgrounds gain invaluable experience, while Arts and Creative Industry students take on key roles behind the scenes, shaping the future of arts management. 

Creating with the community

This spirit of transformation extends beyond performance into physical spaces through our Director of Interior Architecture and Design Programmes Francesca Murialdo’s work on adaptive reuse as a social practice.  

Rethinking spaces to foster inclusivity, sustainability, and engagement, she collaborates with councils and organisations, integrating research directly into teaching. Students gain hands-on experience in community-led design, learning how architecture and creativity intersect to shape more inclusive urban environments. 

Echos from the past to our screens today

Meanwhile, the echoes of history come alive through the remarkable work of BA Film students, who have documented the reconstruction of ancient brass instruments with world-renowned music archaeologist Peter Holmes. These historical sounds have not only been preserved but have made their way into the soundtracks of Gladiator II and Nosferatu, connecting academic research to global cinematic storytelling.  

Since 2023, BA Film students have also been recording interviews with local members of the Windrush generation, an initiative led by Vesna Lukic. This powerful project links teaching, knowledge exchange, and research, ensuring that vital stories of resilience and heritage are preserved for future generations. 

A variety of ways to make art 

Across disciplines, our students actively shape the creative landscape, whether through performance, design, or historical preservation. Mike Dines elevates the Sex Pistols to Plato in his punk philosophy series. Meanwhile, Claire Farmer brings South Asian dance into SEND schools, using movement and rhythm to support children with specialist needs.  

These projects illustrate how the arts serve as a bridge between disciplines, communities, and generations – empowering young people at Middlesex to see themselves as part of a larger creative legacy.

In your Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries, we don’t just teach creativity – we help you discover who you are, and create opportunities for you to experience and develop your creative spirit first-hand. Come to Middlesex and find yourself.