The Future of Arts & Culture in Somerset Conference – Tues 11th Oct 2022
- October 11, 2022
- GB
- Creative Innovation Centre CIC, Memorial Hall, Paul St, Taunton, TA1 3PF
- 01823 337477
The arts and culture industry and its audiences have changed since the pandemic. How we do things post-covid also has a bearing on the future of the sector and now Somerset faces even more changes as the new county wide unitary authority is set for 2023.
So, what does the future look like for the arts and culture sector and the creative industries in Somerset? What can we learn from these changes and what does the arts and culture landscape look like? How can we influence the future, how can we better measure its impact and who and where do we go to for help and support?
This essential conference and set of themed sessions will aid in the delivery of the answers by presenting some of the most up-to-date thinking that affects the arts and culture sector in Somerset and the wider national picture.
You will hear from experts and leaders in the sector who will be discussing a range of subjects and is a key opportunity for stakeholders to shape future programmes and give feedback on key local matters.
Who is it for?
This programme of events is designed and beneficial to all stakeholders in the arts and culture industry and ideal for councillors and local authority officers to understand better the future of Somerset’s arts and culture.
If you lead an arts and culture organisation, business, social enterprise, venue, art centre or charity or deliver projects within your community then we encourage you to take part and help shape the future.
What you will go away with
By attending you will have a better understanding of the future which will help you plan better and you will go away with the knowledge of what to expect in the coming years and identify growth opportunities. You will be stimulated by interesting data and facts and capitalise on and develop collaborative approaches to future prospects. While allowing individuals to network and build relationships.
The Future of Arts & Culture in Somerset Conference Details
This conference is designed to provide a wide and clear picture of the future of the arts and culture sector and will feature industry professionals and experts:
>> 9.30am – Registration, coffee and networking
>> 10.00am – 10.15am Welcome and day context – Andrew Knutt, Chair of Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance
>> 10.15am-10.35am – What will a new unitary authority for Somerset look like and what will be its ambitions for the arts and culture sector in Somerset – Somerset County Council Lead Member for Communities – Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts
>> 10.40am-11.00am – Why Somerset needs a Cultural Strategy and what are the benefits? – Representative from organisation The Fifth Sector who have been commissioned by the five Local Authorities within Somerset and supported by Arts Council England to produce a Cultural Strategy to serve Somerset
>> 11.05am-11.25am – Culture & Heritage Framework & Capital and the future of measuring impact’ Harman Sagger, Head Economist for Arts, Heritage and Tourism at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
>> 11.25am-11.45am – Break
>> 11.45am – 12.10pm – Impacts of COVID-19 on the UK cultural sector and where do we go from here – Dr John Wright, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Centre for Cultural Value, School of Performance and Cultural Industries
>> 12.15pm-12.45pm – Small engines of growth: Understanding creative microclusters and why mapping the sector is important – Dr Inge Hill FRSA SFHEA, National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise, UK Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
>> 12.45pm-1.30pm – Lunch
>> 1.30pm-1.40pm – Welcome back from chair
>> 1.40pm – 2.00pm – Policy and local government – Why working with the local government affects the future of the sector – Richard Holt, Director, Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance
>> 2.05pm – 2.30pm – Can a consortium of arts organisations work for us all in Somerset? A case study of Create Gloucestershire – Pippa Jones, Development Director, Create Gloucestershire
>> 2.30pm-3.00pm – Q&A plus closing address, Andrew Knutt, Chair of Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance
From 3pm onwards the bar will be open serving cold beers, ciders, ales, wines, soft drinks and spirits for those who wish to continue networking.
Your Attendance Options – In Person or Online
We only have 80-100 physical spaces available for the conference and entry includes refreshments and light lunch during the day. Thanks to financial support from UK Government & Somerset County Council we are able to offer a £15 discount on all tickets, meaning you only pay £12 instead of £27.
The event will also be lived streamed and you pay just £5 to access the online version on the day. After registering we will send you a link before the event.
Getting Here & Parking
The venue Creative Innovation Centre (also known as CICCIC) is in the heart of Taunton Town Centre. Post code for SatNav is TA1 3PF.
There are two multi-storey car parks just yards away and cost around £7-8 for the day or for a cheaper option you can use Taunton’s Park & Ride. Simply click the car park links below for info:
Food & Drink
Coffee, tea, biscuits and a light sandwich lunch is provided for in person attendees. Special dietary requirements can be specified upon booking.
How To Book Your Place
PLEASE NOTE: In-person booking stopped on the 7th Oct at 3.30pm but you can book your online place up to 11th Oct at 9am.
