Founded during the Great Depression, Knowle West was a social settlement and housing project. Today, the neighborhood near Bristol faces unemployment, stereotyping, crime, and limited access to higher education. The University of Local Knowledge (ULK) is an open database that collects and archives local knowledge from residents. The topics collected are numerous and range from activism and politics, animals and art, faith, work, food and drink, to areas such as family, health, as well as heritage, history, technology, and sports. The university is formed from the knowledge of the people who live in and around the region. Since 2008, residents of Knowle West have been sharing their own individual expertise and experiences. This has resulted in around 1000 short films to date. The films have been integrated into the ULK website so that anyone can access them.

The aim is to collect, preserve and make visible the skills, talents and expertise of the region and surrounding area. Appreciation of what already exists locally in terms of knowledge and experience and visibility for people living in the region. ULK is a place of learning and sharing to which all residents can contribute.

Appreciation of different forms of knowledge from the everyday life of the community residents. Great interest and participation of the citizens.

Suzanne Lacy, Penny Evans; Knowle West Media Center (KWMC). Support / Collaboration: Arnolfini Gallery, The Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of Bristol, University of Bristol