Culture and arts event attracts over 50 guests
We Are Stafforshire 's latest event 'A Place of Culture ' saw over 50 attendees come together to shine a spotlight on the county 's historic and unique culture and arts through a variety of attractions, projects and organisations.
The event took place at World of Wedgwood, Barlaston and explored:
- The importance of Stafforshire 's culture and arts organisations, events and offer to the visitor economy in the county,
- How historic attractions are evolving to deliver 'experiences ' as well as content and connect with today 's audiences so they are relevant in the 21st century,
- How culture and arts organisations/ attractions are educating and inspiring future generations,
- How nationally and internationally renowned brands can help put the county on the map and
- How culture and the community can come together to challenge perceptions and improve our urban spaces.
Presentations were followed by a Q&A with a panel of the speakers, chaired by Simon Warburton, executive director at Lichfield Cathedral and We Are Staffordshire place board member.
Afterwards, guests were treated to a free, behind the scenes tour of the Wedgwood factory, and a self-guided tour of their V&A Wedgwood Collection.
The event speakers included:
- Simon Warburton, executive director, Lichfield Cathedral
- Olivia Thackstone, visitor experience manager, World of Wedgwood
- Joanna Terry, head of heritage & archives, Staffordshire County Council
- Lara Rowe, Castle, museum and archive manager, Tamworth Castle
- Fiona Wallace, managing director, The New Vic Theatre
- Gemma Thomas, director, Appetite
Speaker Lara Rowe said: “The Staffordshire Ambassador event was a fantastic opportunity to share news of Tamworth Castle 's plans for the summer including a festival of outdoor events and new projects to engage local communities with our collections.
“We heard how the heritage, arts and culture sector in Staffordshire is still a dynamic and vital contribution to economic development and regional tourism, and for me personally it was a great opportunity to network and make connections with colleagues from across the area. ”
We Are Staffordshire 's next Ambassador event takes place at Uttoxeter Racecourse and sees We Are Staffordshire partner with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for their Let 's Do Business Expo. The theme will be Innovation.
Register here: Staffordshire Ambassador Event - We Are Staffordshire
Pictured: Speaker addressing attendees at We Are Staffordshire's A Place of Culture event