The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is an Accredited museum and archive service, with its entire holdings Designated Outstanding by Arts Council England. We are guided by the University of Bristol’s Vision and Strategy 2030, and the Library Services Divisional Plan 2023 – 2030. Our mission and aims are encapsulated in the IDEASpace model.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to curate a world-class collection relating to the history of British theatre and live art, and their creative and cultural contexts. We work collaboratively to realise the potential of our collections to deliver research, educational, creative, and social outcomes for diverse communities locally, nationally, globally.

Key Aims

Curate a world-class collection reflecting the diversity of British theatre and live art that provides unique insight into their creative processes and broader cultural contexts.

Develop, care for and share our collections sustainably, ensuring they are visible and accessible locally, nationally and globally for the broadest possible impact.

Use our collections to inform, inspire and transform learning opportunities, ensuring a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Enable and co-create research by pursuing innovation, collaboration and sector leading practice, embracing the digital in our skills, services and collections, and contributing to the development of national research infrastructures as an arts laboratory for generating and testing new ideas.

Democratise access to the Theatre Collection by working with academic, industry and community partners, creating new engagement opportunities which offer routes to deepening knowledge. These may be on-site, off-site, and online.