Art

What If? Reimagining the Role of Cultural Institutions as Agencies of Change in Cities

Date: Friday, Oct 20 2017
Time: 10:00am
Venue: Arnolfini

Bringing together cultural leaders, artists and producers who are testing out new ways of programming, collaborating and effecting change in their cities.

The significance of the civic role arts and culture play in our cities is undisputed. What remains unresolved is theextent to which the conventions of our nineteenth-century cultural institutions – the gallery, the museum, the theatre, the concert hall – remain the structures around which we might build newly relevant, bolder and more inclusive programmes.

This session, led by Arnolfini, brings together cultural leaders, artists and producers who are testing out new ways of programming, collaborating, and effecting change. The two discussion sessions will give an opportunity to reflect on provocations for new cultural leadership in our cities.

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

Sessions run 10am-11.30am and 12-1.30pm.

Speakers will include:

Sally Tallant, Director,  Liverpool Biennial

David Jubb, CEO and Artistic Director, Battersea Arts Centre, London

Evie Manning, Co-Artistic Director, Common Wealth

Patrick Fox, Director, Heart of Glass, St. Helens

Andrew Barnett, Director of the UK Branch of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Chaired by Claire Doherty, Director, Arnolfini and Founder Director, Situations

These two sessions are part of Festival of the Future City, which takes place across Bristol from 18-20 October.

Set over three days, the festival – which aims to be the largest public debate about the future of cities – brings together politicians, writers, artists, scientists, change-makers, academics, journalists, students, the public, economists, futurists, policy makers, roboticists, philosophers, filmmakers, think tanks, charities, social enterprises, city-builders and more.

Join us to explore the key issues for the future of our cities: how we can solve growing inequality and segregation; build healthy cities and places; foster sustainable cities; and explore a future of devolved powers. Find out more at futurecityfestival.co.uk

10am, free but booking essential. For more info, visit www.arnolfini.org.uk/about/what-if-1.

 

Book tickets

By steve wright, Monday, Oct 2 2017

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

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