Within academia and the arts, teamwork isn't just a way to get things done; it's the heart of creativity, bringing together different people and their unique ideas. The short films Re:Tension (2019) and Where Is The Line (2022), which I directed at Leeds Trinity University, are clear examples of this process. These projects highlight what can be produced when students and staff join forces. They can shed light on the big issues surrounding social justice in education and the sports coaching scene, showcasing what happens when collaboration, an essential component in the Arts and Media, is part of the learning adventure.

Re:Tension addresses the topic of institutional racism and the gap in student retention amongst BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) students within British universities. The film sits alongside a toolkit that provides training and encourages conversations around building anti-racist practice in universities across the country. The toolkit which I developed alongside Syra Shakir, Associate Professor and Strategic Lead on Race Equality at Leeds Trinity University, uses Re:Tension and the aftermath debate to openly challenge racism and discrimination.

Since developing the toolkit, Syra Shakir, Dr Sean Walton, Senior Lecturer in Academic Development at Leeds Trinity University, and I have been delivering workshops at universities around the country, encouraging productive conversations about accountability and responsibility in the fight against discrimination. Building on this activity, Syra Shakir and I have teamed up with the Office for Institutional Equity at Leeds Trinity University to work on a co-creation project with students in which we welcome their input and build on their experience, with the shared goal of embedding anti-racist practice in the curriculum and environment at the University.

This innovative approach is aimed at developing materials and narratives that underscore anti-racist practices and methodologies within Higher Education. The heart of this project is its open dialogues about lived experiences, providing a safe and respectful platform for all voices to be heard and valued.

This is made possible through the thoughtful scaffolding provided by Syra Shakir and the academic staff, ensuring that every participant feels supported and encouraged to share their perspectives.

What makes the Co-Creation Project stand out for me, is how it extends teaching and learning beyond the confines of the classroom. It gives students and staff a unique opportunity to engage with colleagues from universities nationwide, providing new perspectives to their academic journey.  It was moving to see some of the quieter students within the group, coming into their own when we visited University Central London and St. Mary’s University back in February 2024, both of which we work closely with for the project.

This type of engagement is a great illustration of active learning and student-led inquiry. When students engage with topics that are meaningful to them, their research transforms into a highly engaged pursuit of knowledge rather than a mere academic exercise. The result is a deeply engaging learning experience that resonates on a personal level, fostering a stronger investment in their inquiries along with inspiring those around them.

I think that projects like this within academia are hugely important. By embracing teamwork and shared learning, it's not only about highlighting social justice issues, but also a process of highlighting the value in having and sharing diverse perspectives. This approach is all about being inclusive and getting everyone involved in the learning process, seeing it as a journey we're all on together.

Ricardo Barker is an Associate Professor in the School of Digital and Screen Media at Leeds Trinity University and a multi-disciplinary filmmaker.