AKO Storytelling Institute
What we do
Are you a storyteller who wants your work to help make the world better?
The AKO Storytelling Institute at UAL exists for you.
We bring together storytellers, campaigners, researchers and cultural strategists. Because stories do more than inform and entertain. They shape what we notice, fear, desire and tolerate. They shape what we believe is possible.
We work across film, television, theatre, audio, games and immersive media. We dissect what we mean by impact through storytelling. We explore the hidden narratives within work. We explore what amplification campaigns look like across disciplines. We innovate with new forms of storytelling to find new ways to connect and surprise.
Our foundational report explains lays out the ground. Our fellowships, labs, public events and teaching puts it into practice.
No single story can change the world alone. But in collaboration with others we can help create lasting change.
The Institute has been established with the generous support of the AKO Foundation.
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Image Credit: Boyle and Perks
Our core pillars
The institute's programmes at a glance
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Image of Fran Panetta in a workshop
Our team
Find out more about us
Impact, Amplification and Craft
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Mr Bates vs the Post Office | Photograph: ITV
Understanding Impact
How stories make change
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Fountain of Filth |Photograph: Channel 4
Amplification Campaigns
An outreach plan beyond launch
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Burn Out, Lee Ricks, 2022 MA Character Animation, Central Saint Martins, UAL
Craft
Creating stories that move
Narrative
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Heated Rivalry | Photograph: Warner Brothers
Narrative and Pop Culture
Research fellowship pop culture and change
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Succession | Photograph: Warner Brothers
Wealth Inequality
Storytelling for a more equal society
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Stephen Fry | Photograph: David Levene
AI and Disinformation
Stories that shape AI and trust
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Horizon | Image: Opening Statement
Climate
Stories for climate action
Courses
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'Danny's Farm', Eva Sykes, 2025 MA Fine Art, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Paul Cochrane
Diploma in Storytelling
Our 1 year course for undergraduates