Paper from the PASCAL International Observatory Conference, "Making Knowledge Work: Building Sustainable Partnerships through Place Management, Social Capital and Lifelong Learning" October 2005, University of Stirling, Scotland The ongoing work of the ARTS Factory reflects the changing role and function of universities in this new era of global impacts and constant change. Its various initiatives, undertaken over a ten-year period, provide some evidence of the benefits that can accrue when new partnerships and relationships are formed across a broad range of instrumentalities and community groups. Such partnerships have the potential to build a stronger sense of connectedness throughout the community and provide support mechanisms for those who might otherwise be marginalised or disadvantaged.