New Horizons: Arts Derbyshire Networking Meeting, Ashbourne

New Horizons: Festivals Development
A creative networking, training and sharing social for Arts Derbyshire members. 

With over 100 arts, cultural, and heritage festivals throughout the year, Derbyshire has rightfully earned its reputation as “Britain’s Festival County.” But what makes a festival truly thrive, and how can we maximize its impact?

Join us for Derbyshire Festival Development, a dynamic exploration of the challenges and opportunities in festival planning. From boosting local economies to curating quality programming, incentivizing volunteers, securing funding, and understanding audience engagement—this event will bring together industry experts, festival organizers, and creatives to exchange insights and strategies.

Whether you’re looking to refine your festival model or explore new funding avenues, this event is your gateway to ensuring Derbyshire remains a beacon for arts and culture. Let’s celebrate, innovate, and collaborate to make our festivals even more successful!

Our curated panel will discuss the current theme around Festivals Development.

Panel:

Stephen Munn (Chair)               Director Arts Derbyshire

Emily Bowman                             CEO Junction Arts

Ralph Kennedy                             CEO Without Walls

Sarah Sheed                                   Relationship Manager Arts Council England

Tim Challans                                 Director Ashbourne Festival

Venue: Courtney Gallery, 50 St. John Street, Ashbourne DE6 1GH

Please remember to:

• RSVP to help with seating arrangements
• Bring along a image or object which describes your work for the pop up exhibition
• Please let us know at booking if you have access requirements, and we will endeavour to meet them. The museum has taken every measure to ensure that they are as open and accessible to as many people as possible. The Museum is fully wheelchair-accessible and assistance may be provided if required. Please do contact Arts Derbyshire or the venue if you need any more access information.

AGENDA

Set-up for a pop-up exhibition and refreshments, followed by:

1. Welcome from Debi Hedderwick (Chair, Arts Derbyshire) – 10am
2. Speedy networking – 5 minute tables
3. Panel discussion – 10.30am

Break for refreshments, networking and viewing the pop-up exhibition.

4. Open mic – an opportunity for the audience to share ideas and thoughts – 12.15pm
5. Upcoming events – 12.40pm
6. Closing remarks – 12.50pm

(timings subject to change)

Not a member? It’s quick, free and easy to join here.