A new conference dedicated to Hull’s cultural sector will be held in the city for the first time next month.
On Thursday 14th March, Cultural Tides will discuss Hull’s contribution to culture and creativity in the North, and start a conversation about a new city-wide cultural strategy.
Audiences comprised of Hull-based arts, culture, volunteer, community, education and business organizations interested in the city’s cultural ambitions will hear from speakers and panels throughout the day at the Prince’s Quay event space. Listen.
Speakers will include Professor John Holden, Visiting Professor at the University of Leeds, who will present his research and ongoing research in cultural ecology.
On this day, the speakers included Marline Poolman, night mayor of Groningen in the Netherlands, Matthias Rauch, director of cultural innovation and creative economy in Mannheim, Germany, Claire McColgan CBE, cultural director of Liverpool 2008/Eurovision, and industry experts. A discussion panel consisting of houses will also be held. /Erica Clark, Creative Program Manager, UNESCO and UNESCO Music City Belfast.
Panel discussions will consider how to capture and sustain the energy of large-scale initiatives, how to develop audiences and empower communities, and Hull’s ambitions to become a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
The meeting will be opened by Hull City Council leader Cllr Mike Ross. He said:
“We are delighted to host the city’s first Cultural Tides Conference. The city has a long and proud cultural heritage and has left its mark on national and international industries. Even with recent events and performers, Hull packs a powerful punch in this area.
“The world took note when the city won the title of City of Culture in 2017, but its cultural offer has long been strong. The challenge now is to make this city a beacon of culture in the North. The goal is to firmly establish ourselves as a company and overcome the difficult challenges facing the industry.
“This event provides an opportunity to start a city-wide discussion about the sustainability of Hull’s industry, provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences of people in the UK and further afield, and ensure that the cultural offer in Hull continues to be strong for many years to come. It helps to ensure that there will continue to be ‘coming.’ ”
The conference will be largely funded by the UK Government-backed Leveling Up Scheme.
The event will be followed in the evening by a large public event celebrating maritime heritage. A torchlit procession led by 500 community volunteers will march from Hull Minster to Hull Marina, where audiences will enjoy a spectacular performance of the Tower of Light, transforming Hull into a magical theater of fireworks, performance and music.
Organizations and industry professionals wishing to attend the conference can reserve free tickets here.