The Conference
English: Shared Futures is a major cross-disciplinary conference that celebrates and explores the intellectual strength, diversity, and creativity of English language, literature, and creative writing in the UK and across the world. The event brings together colleagues from Higher Education, Further Education, and secondary education to share new research, creative practice, and pedagogical innovation.
First held in Newcastle in 2017, the conference returned to the North West of England for its 2022 edition, taking place on 8th and 9th July across venues in Manchester and Salford. The gathering attracted over 300 delegates participating in more than 70 sessions, including traditional academic panels, workshops, roundtables, salons, staged conversations, and creative readings.
The conference promotes inclusivity and diversity, encouraging representation and participation from under-represented groups. The organisers actively work to reduce physical, social, and economic barriers to participation, with the aim of developing an environment rooted in equal respect for all.
Beyond traditional scholarly formats, the programme embraces alternative forms of engagement such as pop-up workshops, zine-making, masterclasses, interviews, dialogues, and research-in-progress sessions. This inclusive approach reflects the organisers' belief that the discipline of English Studies thrives when it draws on the widest range of voices, perspectives, and methodologies.
Hosts & Venues
The 2022 conference was jointly hosted by three universities in the Greater Manchester area, each contributing their distinctive strengths and facilities to the event.
Manchester Metropolitan University served as the primary venue, with sessions and events held in the Grosvenor Building on Cavendish Street. The university's central location made it an ideal hub for conference activities, with modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and social spaces providing a welcoming environment for delegates.
The University of Manchester contributed its outstanding research heritage in English Studies, offering additional venues including the Samuel Alexander Lecture Theatre and rooms in the Grosvenor East building. The university's historic campus provided a fitting backdrop for scholarly exchange.
The University of Salford brought its distinctive strengths in creative writing and journalism, with colleagues from the English and Journalism departments actively participating in the programme. The cross-institutional collaboration reflected the conference's commitment to bridging traditional academic boundaries.
Organisers
English: Shared Futures is organised by a dedicated team of academics who bring together expertise from across the discipline of English Studies.
The conference is a non-profit, grassroots disciplinary initiative, organised in association with five key organisations that support English Studies in the UK:
- The English Association, which supports the teaching, learning, and enjoyment of English at all levels
- University English, representing English departments in higher education
- The Institute of English Studies, part of the School of Advanced Study, University of London
- NATE (National Association for the Teaching of English), the professional body for English teachers
- NAWE (National Association of Writers in Education), supporting creative writing across all education sectors
The 2022 event also benefited from the support of Arts Council England, which funded the cultural fringe programme celebrating Manchester's vibrant literary and performance culture. Read more about the conference themes and discussions in the news and updates section.