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ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Appoints Director to Lead Creative Engagement Vision

Tuesday, 30 June, 2026

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ has appointed Dr Natasha Kidd as Director of Creative Engagement to lead the development of its ambitious Creative Engagement Unit (CEU), a cornerstone of the University’s Strategy 2035 and its vision to become the “Professionally Creative University for the future.” 

The newly established CEU will position BSU as a regional creative hub, fostering a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem that connects students, alumni, staff, creative practitioners, small and medium-sized enterprises, and local communities. Bringing together Future Fashion Works, SOMER, Emerge, Inclusive Communities, Locksbrook cultural programming, and a new Centre for Creative Technology, the Unit will unify and amplify the University’s creative and civic impact at local, regional, and national levels. 

Previously Subject Lead in Art and Associate Vice Provost leading BSU’s Locksbrook civic ambitions, Dr Kidd will drive a practice-led strategy focused on widening participation, supporting creative graduates into sustainable careers, strengthening partnerships, and demonstrating the social value of arts and culture. 

The programmes within the CEU share a common set of goals and values, placing learners at the centre of activity that extends beyond the attainment of a degree. The Unit will enhance the learner journey, from students’ experiences at BSU to the pathways that support their transition into creative life and sustainable careers. Alongside this, the CEU is committed to inclusivity, supporting non-traditional learners to access university spaces, participate in creative life, and build meaningful creative careers. 

Dr Kidd will start her new role on 1 July 2026 and will work closely with the new Executive Director of Civic Engagement which is currently under recruitment. 

Dr Natasha Kidd, BSU’s new Director of Creative Engagement, said:

“This appointment marks an important moment for ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿. The Creative Engagement Unit brings together exceptional work already happening across the institution, giving it greater coherence, visibility, and momentum. Through this role, we will strengthen pathways into and out of creative life, support our graduates and regional practitioners, and position BSU as a leading force in the UK’s creative and cultural landscape. 

We will also champion new routes into creative careers, creating opportunities for those who may not have previously seen them as accessible. The teams across the CEU are already doing exceptional work, and I feel fortunate to be working with them. I am excited to take on this role at such a significant moment for the city of Bath, where there is real energy to enhance our creative and cultural offer.” 

Professor Rebecca Schaaf, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor, added:

“Creative engagement sits at the heart of our Strategy 2035. This role is central to delivering inclusive growth, creative and civic innovation, and professionally creative education. Natasha will play a vital leadership role in connecting our communities, enhancing the student experience, and ensuring BSU continues to make a meaningful cultural and social impact regionally and nationally.” 

The CEU will also strengthen strategic partnerships across the region, working alongside Bath and North East Somerset Council to support its ambitions for creative growth. In doing so, it will contribute to the West of England’s rapidly expanding creative economy and reinforce BSU’s commitment to creativity as essential infrastructure that delivers social and economic value for both the city and the wider region.