Cultural Tides 2026

Cultural Tides 2026

Save the date and book now to secure your place at Cultural Tides 2026.

Date: 13th March 2026

Time: 09:30 - 16:45 - Networking until 18:00

Location: Hull Truck Theatre, Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8LB

Description:

Cultural Tides 2026: Shaping Hull’s Cultural Future

Hull stands at a pivotal moment in its cultural journey. Cultural Tides 2026 brings together local, national, and international voices to explore how heritage, technology, and global partnerships can shape the city’s future.

Morning: Celebrating International Connections

We begin by spotlighting Hull’s unique 46-year partnership with Freetown, Sierra Leone—a relationship rooted in solidarity and shared ambition. Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism & Cultural Affairs for Sierra Leone, will present insights into Sierra Leone’s cultural and tourism landscape. This sets the stage for a conversation led by Jane Lady Gibson, on how Hull can deepen international cultural collaborations and leverage its global ties for mutual benefit.

Heritage Panel: Regeneration Through Culture

The morning continues with a dynamic panel discussion on heritage-led regeneration with a backdrop to what is a very big year for Hull. 2026 sees the opening of Hull Maritime, a £27.4 million programme that celebrates Hull’s 800-year seafaring heritage, that has delivered the restoration of historic ships and sites, including the Hull Maritime Museum, Arctic Corsair, Spurn Lightship, Queens Gardens and Dock Office Chambers.

This panel discussion explores the role of heritage, not simply as bricks and mortar, but as a catalyst for placemaking and economic renewal, looking at examples from across the nation and the role of leading stakeholders. Contributors include:

• Clara Arokiasamy, President of ICOMOS, reflecting on intangible heritage and its role in community identity.

• National Lottery Heritage Fund.

• Tom Frater, Regional Director at Historic England.

• Gill Osgerby, Programme Director for Hull Maritime, sharing how the city’s maritime story is shaping its future.

Chaired by Chris Jackson, this conversation will explore how heritage projects can drive transformation beyond static investment, embedding culture at the heart of regeneration.

Afternoon: The Future of Culture – AI and Digital Innovation

As the cultural sector faces rapid technological change, our afternoon panel looks ahead to the impact of AI and digital technologies on creativity and cultural production. How can Hull embrace these opportunities while navigating the challenges? Speakers include:

• Tom Kiehl, UK Music.

• Owen Hopkin, Arts Council England.

• Professor Dhaval Thakker, University of Hull (Chair).

• Phil Benson, UK Black Tech.

Together, they will examine how innovation can empower artists, organisations, and communities—and what Hull needs to do now to be ready.

Breakout Sessions: Practical Insights and Collaboration

Delegates will then join interactive breakout sessions, covering:

1. Sustaining Creative Careers: Tools for wellbeing and resilience.

2. Navigating International Working: British Council guidance on global collaboration.

3. Colliderfest: A creative game exploring festival design.

4. Shaping the Culture and Heritage Landscape: Insights from national and regional bodies of Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Two Ridings.

5. Co-Designing Hull’s UNESCO Music City Plan and the next chapter for Hull’s music identity.

Closing Keynote: A National Perspective – To Be Confirmed

Cultural Tides 2026 is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. Together, we will explore how Hull can harness its heritage, embrace innovation, and strengthen international partnerships to create a vibrant, inclusive cultural future.