Newly elected Labour MP for Bournemouth West, Jessica Toale, visited Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) on 29 August, meeting with Acting Vice-Chancellor Lisa Mann and Stephen Harvey, Executive Director of Operations and Planning.

During her visit, Jessica toured the campus and explored the Postgraduate Summer Shows, which are open until 21 September.

She expressed her admiration for the university, saying: “It was a pleasure to meet the talented team at Arts University Bournemouth and hear about the many contributions they’re making to our town.”

Jessica continued: “Anyone who has visited Bournemouth’s town centre will have witnessed the vibrant, creative spirit that AUB brings to our community.

“As MP for Bournemouth West, I am committed to revitalising Bournemouth as a thriving, unique destination, with a strong emphasis on the arts.

“The work being done at AUB is central to this vision, and I look forward to collaborating with the university to further support and promote their creative projects.”

Lisa Mann also highlighted the university’s impact: “It was a pleasure to meet Jessica and show her around AUB. We’re celebrating lots of firsts here this year and are committed to making art accessible to everyone, from Saturday classes at AUB Academy to Postgraduate degrees.”

She added: “We look forward to working closely with Jessica to retain local talent by improving environments for creatives to thrive here in Bournemouth.”