![An Arts Professional Feature in partnership with NCACE](/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/administrator/ncace_partnership_bnr_pink.png)
![A Tree installation made up of light](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/lloyd_evans_photo_x_living_tree-22.jpg?itok=Jut9SgpA)
Cross-sector partnerships - regardless of scale - are complex. As Evelyn Wilson writes, they need time, financial resource, proactive caring and ethical handling, not to mention the odd leap of faith.
![Statue of Rabindranath Tagore at Shakespeare’s Birthplace](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/ncace_article_0.png?itok=voJzR4HG)
To support the development of ideas and cross-sector partnerships, there is a need for flexible, low stakes funding. Suzie Leighton and Myra Stuart think micro-commissions offer a way forward.
![](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/recoloured_0.png?itok=Zxaq6M62)
For a busy, freelance arts professional, carving out the time to attend yet another event can be difficult and sometimes not worth the effort. But, as Rebekka Kill found out, this one was different.
![hands connecting](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/ncace_resize.png?itok=HiF-Rf8V)
Sometimes it seems like successful artist/academic partnerships all come down to agreement over who’s paying for the tea and biscuits, writes Glenda Cooper.
![performers dance in front of a lit up building](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/ncace_article.png?itok=IYryWTGe)
One of the largest surveys ever undertaken between the arts and academia produced some new perspectives on how collaborations can be forged. Evelyn Wilson and Emily Hopkins share their insights.
![three people in discussion](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/ncace_article.jpg?itok=HlyA4RQb)
Creating and sharing new knowledge - through teaching, learning, impact and public engagement - lies at the heart of relationships between universities and cultural organisations, Professor Katy Shaw and Claire Malcolm write.
![still from a dance production](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/ncace_feature.png?itok=Nn5QwDgf)
While collaboration between the cultural sector and universities has never been more fruitful, Suzie Leighton and Kayla Rose know there are still significant barriers to overcome.
![Community yarnbombing by Woven in Kirklees](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/yarnbombing.jpg?itok=1MmtdrQK)
We are witnessing a significant increase in diverse and highly ambitious partnerships between universities and the cultural sector. Evelyn Wilson and Emily Hopkins think it's something to shout about.
![](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/ncace_revised_image_edited.png?itok=syu_y-tX)
The moment for information and peer support to develop partnerships has never been more timely. Evelyn Wilson has established a new centre to provide that infrastructure.
![](https://www-artsprofessional-co-uk.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/collaboration_credit_isla_haddow-flood.jpg?itok=3Zt_X3kj)
Research England will bankroll the partnership between four regional universities and The Culture Capital Exchange following a successful pilot project.