Chester University and Storyhouse have signed a six-year partnership, seeking to improve the city's creative offering.

The partnership has been forged in a bid to enhance their combined contributions to Chester's cultural and academic life.

Having signed a six-year agreement, which starts from the beginning of September, the university and the independent creative hub will build on their existing combined work.

Initiatives already linking the two bodies include the Chester International Film Festival, alongside Storyhouse being one of the host venues for the university-led Festival of Ideas.

The agreement states the university and Storyhouse will jointly host, present and sponsor events - includong collaborating on research and creative projects.

"Storyhouse is a major asset to Chester and we are delighted to sign this agreement," said Professor Eunice Simmons, vice-chancellor of the University of Chester.

"By making an official commitment to working together on events, research and projects, we aim to reinforce our existing partnership, further enrich the cultural and academic life of Chester and beyond while also adding to the student experience.

"This agreement marks a natural step in our joint work with Storyhouse and with fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, working closely with partners and positively shaping society and the communities we are a part of being priorities for us at the University. 

"We look forward to the years ahead, working in collaboration." 

Annabel Turpin, chief executive of Storyhouse, said: "Since I joined Storyhouse, we've been actively building stronger partnerships and our work with the University of Chester shows what's possible when we do.

"This agreement is an exciting step forward, opening up more opportunities for students, artists, and communities to connect through shared projects, research, and events.

"Over the next six years we'll be working together to bring fresh ideas and energy to Chester's cultural life, and to make a lasting difference for the city and region."