The Cultural Alliance in B&D Part 1

This January, we’re hosting a three-part working sprint for people who want to play an active role in shaping the structure, purpose and ways of working of the Cultural Alliance.

These sessions are for artists, organisers, venues, cultural organisations and partners who want to help turn ideas into something practical, shared and sustainable.

Across the three meetings, we’ll:

• Build on feedback gathered from the CPG network
• Look at examples of cultural alliances and partnership models from other places
• Test what feels right for Barking & Dagenham
• Co-create an initial Terms of Reference for the Cultural Alliance to take forward into 2026

While we ask participants to commit to all three sessions where possible, we understand that this may not be achievable for everyone.

Dates & Times

• Monday 12 January 2026 — 6:00pm–8:00pm
• Monday 19 January 2026 — 6:00pm–8:00pm
• Monday 26 January 2026 — 6:00pm–8:00pm

Location

BD Giving – Three Sixty Workrooms
48 Cambridge Road
Barking, IG11 8NW

Refreshments will be provided.

Who should attend?

This sprint is for people who:

• Want to help shape the future of arts & culture in Barking & Dagenham
• Are interested in governance, collaboration, shared values and collective action
• Want to contribute ideas, experience and energy to building something together
• Are open to working through complexity in a constructive, practical way

You don’t need to be an expert — just engaged, thoughtful, and willing to collaborate.

What you’ll leave with

By the end of the three sessions, participants will have helped:

• Define the purpose and scope of the Cultural Alliance
• Clarify how people and organisations can be involved
• Shape shared principles, roles and responsibilities
• Produce a draft Terms of Reference to guide the next phase of work

Accessibility & questions

If you have access needs or questions ahead of the sessions, please get in touch via the Eventbrite contact details.