9TH LANCASHIRE ARTS EXCHANGE RETURNS TO BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CULTURAL EDUCATION
The biannual Lancashire Arts Exchange returns for its ninth edition on Friday 13th March 2024 at the iconic Blackpool Grand Theatre, bringing together professionals from across Lancashire’s arts, culture and education sectors to explore the future of cultural education and creative careers.
The Lancashire Arts Exchange is a key gathering for the county’s cultural sector, welcoming arts and culture professionals alongside colleagues from primary, secondary, further education (FE) and higher education (HE), as well as representatives from local government. The conference provides a vital platform to share insight, influence policy, and strengthen pathways into and through the creative industries.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr Gregory Boardman, Head of Participation and Learning at The English Chamber Orchestra and Co-Founder of Three Stones Media. Dr Boardman will speak on curriculum reform and the future of cultural education, offering national insight into participation, learning and the evolving landscape of creative opportunity.
The programme also features presentations and workshops from leading organisations across the county, including:
Attendees can expect a dynamic programme including:
Sector Leadership and Joined-Up Working
Alex O’Toole, Director of Arts Lancashire, said:
“The Government’s recently announced education reform to include the return of creative subjects to the curriculum, present a vital opportunity for schools, education departments and the cultural sector across Lancashire. However, to make this meaningful, we need a truly joined-up approach to cultural education and career support across the county. Schools, colleges and universities need clear pathways, resources and partnerships, while the local arts sector needs stronger, more coordinated routes to engage young people and support their progression into creative careers.”
O’Toole continued:
“Arts Lancashire plays a key role in convening the sector around the issues that matter and facilitating a shared response to the skills development needs of young people and schools. This year’s Lancashire Arts Exchange is a crucial space for building that shared approach – bringing education, culture and policy together to ensure creative education is accessible, relevant and connected to real career opportunities.”
Bursaries Available
To support wider access and inclusion, five £100 Arts Exchange bursaries are available for freelance artists. These bursaries are designed for individuals for whom the cost of taking a day away from work would otherwise prevent attendance, and for those who face barriers due to ethnicity or disability. The bursaries form part of a wider commitment to building a more inclusive and representative sector.
For further information and booking details, please visit: https://artslancashire.org.uk/lancashire-arts-exchange-2026/