International conference brings together diverse voices

A virtual event celebrating diverse voices in art, film, theatre and games is being hosted by Staffordshire University this week

Communities and Communication logo

'Communities and Communication 2022' takes place online from Thursday 19 to Friday 20 June

We are amazed by how many submissions we received for this year’s programme. We are excited to be able to give a space to such a mix of works and we are really looking forward to hearing from all our selected contributors and attendees.

Dr Sharon Coleclough, Senior Lecturer in Film Production and Sound Design

The second edition of interdisciplinary conference and festival Communities and Communication takes place over two days from Thursday 19 to Friday 20 May, bringing together creators, academics and researchers from across the globe.

Dr Agata Lulkowska, Stephanie Steventon and Dr Sharon Coleclough from the Staffordshire University’s Department of Media and Performance have organised the conference.

Agata, Senior Lecturer in Film Production, explained: “We are so proud to follow up on last year’s success. Our first edition focused on Connections. This year we look at Diverse Voices. The need for diverse voices to be included in the conversation on communities and communication has never been more urgent.”

The conference received more than 3,000 submissions from nearly 130 countries and the programme features contributions from musicians, artists, filmmakers and researchers from a range of disciplines. The event comprises eight panel discussions and numerous film screenings, including presentations on indigenous film production, deaf communities, virtual worlds, and much more.

Keynote speakers include award-winning filmmaker and theorist Professor Agnieszka Piotrowska who will share two unpublished pieces of work. Staffordshire University’s Associate Professor of Acting and Directing Rob Marsden will deliver the second keynote speech, exploring inclusive and engaged theatre practices ahead of a roundtable discussion.

Other guests include international film directors Catherine Gough-Brady from Australia and Spain’s Jaime Dezcallar.

Dr Sharon Coleclough, Senior Lecturer in Film Production and Sound Design, added: “We are amazed by how many submissions we received for this year’s programme. We are excited to be able to give a space to such a mix of works and we are really looking forward to hearing from all our selected contributors and attendees.”

‘Communities and Communication 2022: Diverse Voices’ takes place from Thursday 19 to Friday 20 May. Find more information and register for your FREE place or browse the full event programme.

Latest news


WMAS partnership signing web

West Midlands Ambulance Service and University of Staffordshire strengthen long-standing partnership

West Midlands Ambulance Service and University of Staffordshire strengthen shared commitment to innovation, education and workforce development

Business Awards launch 2026

University of Staffordshire launches Business Awards 2026

Entries are now officially open for the University of Staffordshire Business Awards 2026!

app-comic-transforming-student-support web

Inclusion project draws on student cartoonists’ talent

Student artists have created a series of comics to promote social inclusion and support under-represented groups in higher education

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021