Brave, bold & inspiring: new event series to stimulate cultural and creative recovery in Greater Brighton
In September 2020, when the global pandemic had forced many in the cultural and creative sectors into hibernation, putting livelihoods at risk; over 100 creatives came together in Brighton & Hove to focus on how these vital sectors could emerge from the pandemic stronger, connected, and more resilient.
The collaboration resulted in The ABCD Plan for Cultural Recovery in Greater Brighton - a plan which aims to create new jobs and training opportunities for creatives, and showcase Brighton as a world class arts destination.
Fast forward to late 2021 - venues are open, artists are working - it’s time to shout loudly about how cultural and creative organisations are at the forefront of the city's recovery.
Enter ABCD Igniter - a series of online events (starting in early 2022), featuring international, national and local speakers, that will provoke ideas, suggest new ways of working, and invite you to re-energise collaborations.
· 02/02/22 Does Brighton dare...? click here to book
· 16/02/22 A New Resilience for Greater Brighton click here to book
· 02/03/22 Compassionate, creative.... and commercial? click here to book
· 16/03/22 Clusters, Communities + Co-working Spaces click here to book
Peter Chivers, Director at Future Creators, explains why the event series is pivotal to the creative sector recovery plan:
‘As a member of the Engine Room working group for the Cultural Recovery plan I’m thrilled to see this event series take flight. Creative workers and cultural organisations of all scales have had to adapt in precarious circumstances. These Igniter events will exchange ideas and draw inspiration, as well as peer-led development from thought leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs locally and from across the world to catalyse new ways of working, renewed resilience and energy into 2022.’
Delivered by always possible the events are free to attend for those who work in the creative industries within the Greater Brighton area.
The pandemic has shown how vulnerable the creative sector can be, but also how critical it is for wellbeing, understanding and belonging. How can we be better prepared for a future crisis? What strengths can we keep building on? The events will cover all of these questions and more, providing inspiration for creative solutions.
Richard Freeman, CEO at always possible explains why these are events are so important for the sector.
‘The always possible team are excited about these Igniter events, which will move many great ideas into tangible action. Brighton & Hove is a city of creativity and great potential. But the opportunity to
take stock, challenge ourselves and provoke ourselves to be a bit braver is timely.’
The ABCD Recovery Plan runs until the end of 2022 and has so far raised over £350k for the cultural sector in the city. The Plan is overseen by an independent group of people formed of a Governance Group and a series of Working Groups. Its aim is to create paid work and professional opportunities for creative workers in the city, developing a more inclusive cultural offer and encouraging partnership work to strengthen the creative sector in the long term. Partners include Brighton & Hove City Council, Arts Council England, Brilliant Brighton Business Improvement District, the Pebble Trust and many funded arts organisations in the city.
If you work in the creative industries and want to find out more and get involved visit www.cultureinourcity.com.
The ABCD Igniter Events series, organised by always possible and funded by the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, is an opportunity for you to be heard, to learn, to challenge and be inspired - empowered by Brighton’s radical heart.
For more information on the Igniter Events series go to alwayspossible.co.uk/igniter or email anniemarie@alwayspossible.co.uk.