OutdoorArtsUK Director Sho is speaking at the IOU Symposium – A Curious Tapestry: Crafting New Cultural Ecologies. As a speaker, Sho will discuss the outdoor arts sector strategy in the context of cultural ecologies and ecosystems, with a focus on cultural democracy, pride in place and artistic excellence.
In collaboration with the University of Huddersfield, the IOU Symposium returns in July to consider what an effective cultural ecosystem can be.
In contemporary times of increasing political polarity, public funding for the arts is under major review, different models of support for artists are being piloted and responsibilities of care for freelancers are being considered at government level.
In this context, we are asking –
‘What are the characteristics and conditions we all need to thrive creatively’?
‘How can practices, strategies and policies be crafted with care and attention’?
This one day event is an opportunity for artists, researchers and policymakers to come together to explore our collective and individual contributions to the creative environments we inhabit. We will discuss current approaches and possible policy solutions to challenges facing the sector, ways to fully illustrate the rich cultural terrain we occupy and how different approaches to collaboration can strengthen the ecosystem overall.
Join IOU as their programme takes the themes of time, place, organism and system as guides in this investigation. The day will combine focused round table discussions, creative workshops and panel sessions, with time to meet colleagues and peers.
