The third instalment of No Boundaries will take place here at HOME on Tue 28 – Wed 29 March 2017, hosted by us and Hull Truck Theatre, in conjunction with Hull UK City of Culture 2017. 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, the national conference for the arts and culture sector hosts a high profile and diverse array of UK and international contributors across two days, all presenting questions and challenging new ideas on the role of the arts in society. The aim of the event is to explore positive approaches that can influence change and support the sector’s growth and development.
“The arts make us not only better citizens but also better people”
HOME Patron Jackie Kay MBE, speaking at NB2015
No Boundaries will continue the innovative approach of live-linking two venues as one conference alongside an online broadcast. Delegates will be provided with a packed schedule of events and speakers, alongside connected breakout areas for conversation and networking designed to bring ideas, spaces and delegates together. Access is prioritised in venues and online so that all can take part.
No Boundaries forms part the Arts Council’s ongoing programme to provide a platform to explore new ideas and concepts that respond to political, social and economic developments in the world.
Sheena Wrigley, Executive Director at HOME added, “HOME is proud to be producing No Boundaries in 2017. As a place of discovery, of ideas and with a hunger for doing things differently, it feels very fitting for HOME to be hosting this national event in our new building in the heart of Manchester. Working on No Boundaries with our partners in Hull, at ACE and British Council we will create a space where artists, professionals and thinkers come together to explore our role in sustaining an inclusive and outward looking dialogue with the world.”
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 commented, “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.”
Hull Truck Theatre Executive Director Janthi Mills-Ward, said: “Hull Truck Theatre is proud to be the next custodian alongside HOME for the No Boundaries conference in 2017. As our city 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. We’re very proud to be working with Arts Council England, British Council and our co-hosts at HOME to deliver such an important event.”
Martin Green, CEO and Director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, said: ‘Hull Truck 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.’
Programme details will be unveiled over the coming months, with the first phase of delegate passes on sale on Tue 20 September 2016 here.