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Inclusive
We engage with a broad range of people across multiple sectors.
Home of innovation, research & enterprise
Our Vision:
At the intersection of creativity, technology, and societal impact, The Studio at Bath Spa University envisions a future where microbusinesses and creative practitioners are not only sustained but celebrated as the pioneers of change.
Our vision is to be the leading force in nurturing these value-driven innovators, offering an inclusive and dynamic environment that breaks the mould of traditional economic models.
Our Mission:
We commit to empowering underrepresented voices and fostering sustainable practices through a revolutionary approach to residency, governance, and resource sharing. By embracing radical attribution, collective decision-making, and the exchange of skills and knowledge, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where creativity thrives, ideas flourish, and social tokens redefine the creative economy.
Together, we will build a resilient and collaborative community that challenges the status quo, driving forward the national creative industries with a focus on meaningful, lasting societal impact driven by the creative application of technology. The Studio is not just a space; it is a movement towards a more equitable and innovative future.
The Studio in Bath provides a space for local micro-businesses, Bath Spa University students, academics, and graduates to work on projects and ideas which focus on creativity and technology. It is also a space to collaborate, share ideas, host events – for Residents, and the wider community.
Read our full impact report here.
Our coworking space is subsidised, and applications are encouraged from people who share The Studio’s values. We are:
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Interdisciplinary
We support research, innovation and enterprise across disciplines.
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Practice-based
We make and do stuff.
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Collaborative
We are in this space because we believe we work better when we work together.
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Creative
We are interested in exploring how technology can expand and augment creativity.
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Entrepreneurial
We create sustainable work that has lasting impact in the world.
Professor Pullinger is a writer: her 2009 novel The Mistress of Nothing won Canada’s Governor General’s Award for Fiction, and her smartphone story, Breathe, was shortlisted for the 2018 New Media Writing Prize. At Bath Spa University, she is the Director of CCCI – the Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries – one of the university’s strategic research centres. She is the university lead on the Bristol and Bath Creative R+D partnership which is supporting creative technology R+D through funding fellowships and prototypes; and the screen industries Strength in Places research project, MyWorld. Kate has also received the 2021 Electronic Literature Organisation (ELO) Marjorie C. Luesebrink Career Achievement Award.
Professor Pullinger is the academic lead on The Studio and has overseen its development from the start. Kate sees The Studio as key to developing the creative technology ecosystem in Bath, connecting us with each other as well as the rest of the world.
Caroline Anstey has been with Bath Spa University for over a year, working on a variety of projects including, Creative Producer for The Studio working closely with Studio Residents, the AHRC-funded Bristol + Bath Creative R+D programme as well producer for artist in residence, Abigail Hunt.
With over 25 years experience of working in TV broadcasting and production, both in the UK and internationally, Caroline brings a wealth of experience and networks to the Studio. She will help grow new partnerships and build on The Studio’s strong foundations, supporting growth of the sector in the region and beyond.
To enquiry about becoming a Studio Resident, or for any other information, please email Caroline on thestudio@bathspa.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1225 876 785.
Having worked in university administration in and around Bath and Bristol for around 20 years, Louise Chapman now finds herself in The Studio as part of Bath Spa University’s Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries where she works on a range of projects including MyWorld, Bristol+Bath Creative R+D and House of Imagination.
Louise deals with all sorts of project management tasks for the University and for The Studio, from keeping track of finances and contracts to supporting events.
Naomi Smyth is an immersive theatre writer, director and performer with experience as an independent filmmaker and freelance videographer. She is responsible for researching, facilitating, training and the booking out of the immersive media kit owned by MyWorld and The Studio, and supporting projects that use it.
Naomi helps Residents learn how to use immersive media in their work.
Rachel Pownall is Bath Spa University’s Innovation Manager for MyWorld, a five year UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strength in Places (SIPF) funded programme to turn the South West into an international trailblazer in screen-based media. She was previously Knowledge Exchange (KE) Manager on the South West Creative Technology Network (SWCTN) that promoted the use of creative technology across the South West. Rachel’s background is in documentary filmmaking and outside of her role on MyWorld she is currently scripting and developing a variety of creative projects from podcasts to immersive theatre, particularly looking at how creative technology can broaden and enhance the live theatrical experience.
Stacey Pottinger is investigating the feasibility of Counting House – a radical new approach to financial support for the arts and culture sector in the city region; and is developing a model for evaluating the impact The Studio has within the city.
Stacey has worked in arts and community development for over 9 years and prior to that she worked in advertising, marketing and business development in the engineering and environmental science sector.
She also runs the Social Art Network B&NEs and is a poet, a filmmaker and a curator.
Rob leads The Studio marketing department, which he joined in December 2024. He has worked in digital marketing since 2014, which included over 2 years for a homeless charity in Salisbury. He co-launched the website for an online book retailer from scratch and increased revenue from 0 to seven figures. During his time he estimates he sent over 21 million emails, and also grew the number of email subscribers from none to 118,000.
Rob has also worked for the BBC and has written three books.
Aaron is a recent Bath Spa Graduate in Media Communications and is now working as an intern through the BSU Grad Scheme, carrying over the various skills from his degree and putting them into practice in the workplace. He is part of the marketing department at The Studio, sharing news about resident successes, funding opportunities, and Studio events; as well as editing The Studio website and newsletter.
Aaron has also been working with the Research and Enterprise team at Bath Spa, sharing the work that BSU researchers have been producing, funding opportunities, workshops, events, and supporting the team with various projects utilising design, video, and accessibility skills.
Dr Eleanor Rowley is a Postdoctoral Impact Research Fellow working within the Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries at Bath Spa University.
Eleanor’s career in higher education has evolved from extensive teaching experience in universities in the UK, Japan and Kazakhstan to research specialisation, recently completing a PhD at the University of Bath. Her current research focuses on the role that higher education institutions can play in supporting the cultural and creative industries through targeted initiatives, including The Studio and its programmes.
Eleanor’s work aims to contribute to the growing discourse around the civic university model, examining how universities can act as anchor institutions within the creative economy and collaborate with partners to address systemic challenges facing cultural and creative workers and organisations.
