Culture Forward networking event: a milestone in the University’s civic mission
On 17 October 2024, the University hosted a successful Culture Forward networking event at the historic Birmingham and Midland Institute.
Professor Sara Jones and David Evans-Powell, the academic and operational leads for Culture Forward, highlighted the project’s key successes and discussed its future as it transitions from its pilot phase to becoming a core part of the University’s civic mission.
This is an exciting period for Culture Forward. The network has grown to over 35 partners in the region, including arts and cultural organisations. It is rapidly expanding across the city and region, as well as within the University’s research and academic communities. A new Charter has been launched, detailing the initiative’s ethos and values. Additionally, a diverse programme of upcoming activities has been announced, starting with the Being Human Festival events in November – spaces are filling up quickly, so please do register.
A profound statement made by Iris Bertz, Director of Bertz Associates, during the event captured the essence of Culture Forward: “You are no longer alone as a small organisation in a big city.”
We thank all attendees for joining us and the Birmingham and Midland Institute for hosting us. If you are interested in becoming a partner, or know of an organisation that might be, please contact us at cultureforward@contacts.bham.ac.uk.