A big thank you ……..
to all of you who attended the conference and for participating in such a collaborative and positive manner. We did in fact have quite a number of people who turned up out of the blue without pre-registering and they were, of course, welcomed with open arms. We had a total of 156 people at the conference. We will be writing to you again shortly with a brief synopsis of the outcomes of the conference.
Watch this space!
Nearly 100 people have registered to attend the AB+ Cultural Conference on 26 January 2012.
“This is very gratifying,” says Duncan Hendry, speaking on behalf of the conference’s Steering Group. “We anticipated that the conference would attract delegates from a wide cross section of the arts community in Aberdeen and the surrounding area and that is exactly what we are getting. But, in addition, it’s attracting people from organisations from further afield who have an interest – and a say – in the city, as well as delegates from the political and business communities.
“At a time when Creative Scotland is considering how they should invest in Aberdeen and the City Council is considering a UK City of Culture bid, this is a pivotal moment for the city and this conference will provide an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the arts and culture to have their say in shaping the future of the city.
“We are confident that the quality and quantity of the delegates who have already committed to attend the conference will ensure a lively creation of new ideas for driving culture forward in Aberdeen.
“Nevertheless, we are certain that there are many other people from the arts world who will sign up to attend the conference once they return from their festive break.”
Further details of the important workshop sessions – essentially the heart of the conference when ideas will be developed – will be announced early in the new year.
Meantime, the conference Steering Group offer you the best wishes for a happy, fulfilling and contented 2012.
We’re pleased to report that our main speakers have confirmed their attendance. Charles Landry, an authority on urban futures and the use of creative approaches to enable cities achieve farsighted aims, will be joined by Valerie Watts, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council and Professor Paul Harris, Head of Gray’s School of Art.
Valerie will be describing her experiences in Northern Ireland with Londonderry’s bid to become European Capital of Culture and the impact this had on the arts there, whilst Paul will talk about bringing the V&A to Dundee.
Of course, whilst the speakers are important, the vital element will be the delegate participation in the two workshop sessions and we’ll have more details of these – and the subjects to be discussed – in the new year.
Some people have been asking us what time the conference starts and finishes. The answer is 9.15 for coffee and registration for a 10.00 a.m. start and close of business at 5.00 p.m. although there will then be an hour’s social and a glass of wine for those that want to network. We’ll bring you further news about the conference nearer the time, but in the meantime, could you please complete a short survey, regardless of whether you intend to come to the conference or otherwise?
The survey can be found at http://positiveaberdeen.wordpress.com/questionnaire/. You should choose whether to answer as an individualor on behalf of an organisation (NOT both please!). The survey results will help us plan exactly how the conference runs so if you could please please please complete the survey by the end of the year, that would be very helpful. Thanks in anticipation of your co-operation!
Finally, if you haven’t signed up for the conference, the e-mail address again is aberdeen.positive@gmail.com. This is a conference not to be missed! An opportunity for your voice to be heard in driving the future of the arts and culture in Aberdeen.
Welcome to the AB+ (Positive). Here you will find all the information and news from the forthcoming AB+ conference which is taking place at the Aberdeen Arts Centre on the 26th of January 2012. You can also register your place on the conference and complete the on-line questionnaire.
This conference aims to build on the development of our cultural strategy, Vibrant Aberdeen by not only celebrating the cultural life of the city but also opening a dialogue on how this can be developed to play a more prominent role in the city’s future. We want the conference to challenge our thinking, to create a platform for innovative ideas and ultimately identify what steps we need to take in order to achieve these ambitions.
The conference will be constructed of key-note speakers, workshops and a question and answer panel session. The content will focus on local cultural provision in the context of our existing strengths, our national and international linkages and those areas where we acknowledge that improvement is required. It will also look for inspiration from other cities throughout the world with the speakers drawing their own knowledge and experiences.
While leading cultural thinkers, economists and strategists will provide insight and challenge assumptions the ideas and the ambition must come from within our community … from you. This is your opportunity to shape the future of the city and help make Vibrant Aberdeen a reality.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
To register please email aberdeen.positive@gmail.com.
This conference is free however places are limited and will be issued on a first come first served basis.
