engage in the visual arts
‘A Force for Change’- engage International Conference 15 – 18 November 2006
The Whitworth Art Gallery and Cornerhouse, Manchester, UK
This years conference will examine the changing role of galleries and museums. No longer simply the keepers and presenters of art, culture and heritage for a select, informed audience, they now have a greatly expanded role: broadening cultural access, offering a wide range of educational programmes and responding to social, educational and political agendas.
Often it is the gallery educator or artist educator, within or outside of the institution who is at the forefront of this change. In addition to responding to change, gallery educators are working in partnership with teachers, artists and others to influence and effect change within the institution, re-defining methodologies and mission.
UK and international speakers will present an inspiring range of personal viewpoints, cultural observations and critical insights. Sessions will range from keynote papers to in-depth, challenging and enjoyable break-out sessions held in venues including the Chinese Arts Centre, Manchester Art Gallery and Urbis.
engage International Conference is for colleagues from across the visual arts, cultural and education sectors, at all stages of their careers. Conference provides a forum for the development of the sector through informed debate, discussion, sharing of new research, awareness-raising, practical workshops, and networking.
Main Conference
Wed 15 November 15.00 start – Fri 17 November – 16.00 ends
Main speakers and presentations
Workshop, discussion sessions and study visits
Evening receptions and private views
Conference Soapbox
Conference Dinner Thursday 16 November
Other events (at extra cost) include:
Conference survivors’ meal Fri 17 November 19.00
Guided visit to Liverpool Biennial Sat 18 November 10.00 – 16.00
Market place: Organisations are invited to showcase their work to a variety of delegates from across the UK and International arts sector. Thu 16 November during the delegates lunch at the Whitworth Art Gallery- tables and chairs to be supplied. A reduced cost of £50. For more information or to book a place contact Emma Boyd for details +44 (0)20 7490 4690 emma.boyd@engage.org
Funding: This event is listed as a course on the Grundtvig database of courses http://comcdb.programkontoret.se/ under code UK-2006-107 Applicants from eligible European countries may be able to apply to their national agencies for a grant to attend. Contact alex.hitchins@engage.org for further information. UK colleagues may be able to get funding via their national or regional arts council.
Bursary places: a limited number of places are available on a bursary basis (see booking form) for students, international colleagues, and members of sister organisations, who otherwise would not be able to attend. Contact Emma Boyd for details +44 (0)20 7490 4690 emma.boyd@engage.org . Deadline 30 September.
Join engage
engage promotes understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts in the UK and internationally, through professional development opportunities including conferences and training events, action research projects, grants schemes, and the engage journal. Full and Associate members enjoy a variety of benefits. For further information or to join engage visit our website www.engage.org .