As the university evolves, a key focus has been on widening business opportunities around its specialised resources and expertise, particularly within the Fab Lab Southwest. This state-of-the-art facility – using cutting-edge 2D and 3D design software and machinery – is helping bridge the gap between education and industry. By engaging with businesses and organisations, the Fab Lab Southwest not only enhances the learning experience for students but also plays a vital role in innovation and entrepreneurship within the creative sector.
Alongside Fab Lab Southwest, the University’s city-centre campus is home to a world-class ecosystem of creative resources, including the MIRROR gallery, creative business incubation programme Workroom and Plymouth Arts Cinema.
The university has been exploring how to develop its resources to wider audiences, with a focus on contract users and broadening the use of its facilities and resources to include its extensive alumni and wider maker communities.
Arts University Plymouth aims to expand the reach of resources such as the Fab Lab Southwest to engage new audiences. To promote ongoing growth in this area, the university plans to launch several new initiatives and programs that allow alumni, the public, and industry professionals to interact with the institution. The success of these efforts will be measured by levels of engagement, income generation, and the sustainability of these activities over time, which includes developing the necessary internal structures.
“The Create Growth Devon Programme has provided us with valuable access to mentors who have helped us explore, develop and test ideas. The Programme team has been very responsive and flexible to our business needs; and the mentors have been knowledgeable, supportive, and generous in their contributions.” Dr Alexandra Murphy, Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager