As dramatic domestic and global events ripple through society, UK arts and culture leaders plot paths through uncharted waters at the industry’s annual conference, No Boundaries.
With the rapid rate of change in life in the UK and internationally, whether driven by politics, socio-economics, the environment or technology continuing to permeate society with as-yet-unknown outcomes, leaders from the British art and culture world gather at No Boundaries 2017, taking place on Tue 28 & Wed 29 Mar 2017, to consider how the industry can navigate and influence the apparent challenges and opportunities ahead.
If the British referendum on EU membership delivered unpalatable truths for some on the driving influences in contemporary society, then what role did the arts have, and what will it have in the future? If and how the industry can help to shape a socially responsible, cohesive society in a climate of change is a strong focus for next year’s No Boundaries, produced by HOME, Hull Truck Theatre and Hull City of Culture 2017.
Speakers confirmed include Rufus Norris, Artistic Director of National Theatre, Evie Manning, Artistic Director of Common Wealth, Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern from 2017, Hammad Nasar, Hong Kong-based curator and writer at the Asia Art Archive and leading, Greece-born economist, Vicky Pryce (co-author of It’s The Economy, Stupid: Economics for Voters). Practitioners from across the creative spectrum, including Jess Thom, co-founder of Touretteshero, Nikesh Shukla, author and editor of The Good Immigrant and Claire Doherty, Director of Situations, bring front line perspectives on a spectrum of issues, from the disruptive influences of modern, cultural mavericks to identifying audiences in a technology-led world.
The identity of the UK, its diverse communities and the nation’s place in the world has been subject to significant debate, but by bringing the world-leading cultural thinkers together with attendees from across the cultural sector, the No Boundaries discussion aims for much-needed focus by bringing informed and influential voices together.
The full list of contributors and themes announced to date, with further announcements yet to come, are as follows:
- Gerry Cadogan
Public Health Principal, Torbay - Rachel Coldicutt
CEO, Dot Everyone - Claire Doherty
Director, Situations - Claire Hodgson & Jamie Beddard
Diverse City - Evie Manning
Co-Artistic Director, Commonwealth - Yemisi Mokuolu
Producer, Hatch Events - Frances Morris
Director, Tate Modern - Hammad Nassar
Curator and Writer, Asia Art Archive - Rufus Norris
Artistic Director, National Theatre - Vicky Pryce
Economist - Sabrina Shirazi
Creative Producer, Cuisine and Colour - Nikesh Shukla
Author & Editor of Ride Magazine - Jess Thom
Artist, Touretteshero
The innovative conference format is set to not only include ‘live’ link elements that bring the two venues together in real time, but also include elements of performance and purposely features voices from the broadest possible range of backgrounds.
Delegate passes for both Hull and Manchester events are now available, with a range of different pricing tiers to encourage a wide mix of delegates from across the industry to attend. Numbers are limited to ensure that an informal atmosphere is created. A bursary scheme for early-stage artists supported by University of Salford, open to ballot until 17 January 2017, provides free delegate passes to those for whom price is a barrier to attendance.
No Boundaries is supported by Arts Council England and the British Council as part of their commitment to convene and strengthen cultural organisations in the UK and internationally. By sharing provocative ideas from a diverse range of sources No Boundaries aims to support the growth of new models, methods and collaborations to shape the future of the arts.
Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “As well as encouraging creative thinking and stimulating debate, No Boundaries is a great platform to develop new ideas in response to the developments taking place in the world around us. Last year’s conference was a huge success and we look forward to a similar meeting of minds and clash of ideas in the spring.”
Graham Sheffield CBE, Director Arts British Council, said: “International connections have never been more important. During this time of uncertainty, it is now more crucial than ever for us to provide open platforms, such as No Boundaries, to discuss and debate the future with our colleagues both from the UK and around the world. It is by coming together and working in partnership that we can ensure a bright future for arts and culture not only in the UK but far beyond.”
Executive Director of HOME, Sheena Wrigley, said: “Our friends and colleagues working across the arts and culture in all of its forms have due reason to feel concerned by continuing domestic and world developments, but we should remember that a constant flow of ground-breaking ideas both in the UK and globally give us opportunity to respond proactively. By collaborating on No Boundaries with our partners in Hull, and with support of ACE and British Council, we have an unrivalled opportunity to get people from truly diverse perspectives to contribute to these constantly evolving conversations.”
Hull Truck Theatre Executive Director Janthi Mills-Ward, said: “As Hull takes centre stage for the UK City of Culture celebrations it is the ideal environment in which to discuss the future of our sector and the wider impact of the arts, both locally and nationally. The exciting range of speakers that this year’s conference gives the opportunity to hear different voices during times of change, which in turn opens up our minds to new thinking and approaches.”
Martin Green, CEO and Director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, said: ‘Hull Truck Theatre co-hosting No Boundaries during UK City of Culture 2017 is a clear statement about culture and creativity having a key role to play in the future success of this city. There will always be change and there will always be competing pressure on resources, but there is another certainty – arts and culture are powerful catalysts that can transform lives. This timely gathering is an opportunity for cultural leaders from across the country to debate what needs to be done to ensure they remain at the top of the agenda.”
No Boundaries is produced by a consortium of Arts organisations: HOME, Manchester (lead partner), Hull Truck Theatre and Hull UK City of Culture 2017. For full information and to book visit nb2017.org/booking. #nb2017