HomeParticipate conference
Harnessing cultural value in tough economic times
The Participate conference was held on 25 March 2009 at Elmwood Hall in Belfast. The conference questioned and explored how the value of culture and arts impacts on the regeneration of Belfast.
Below are videos and transcripts of the main speakers at the conference. All videos are on the Belfast City Council You Tube channel
Speeches
Welcome from Councillor Tom HartleyCouncillor Hartley opened the Participate conference. He highlighted arts events in Belfast and thanked arts practitioners who contribute towards a dynamic city. Paul Collard
Paul Collard is National Director of Creative Partnerships and he commissioned the Angel of the North sculpture in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He has 25 years experience of working in the arts and is an expert in delivering programmes that use creativity and culture as drivers of social and economic change.
- Can we afford the arts any more?
Paul explains the vital contribution of the arts to society. Shared cultural spaces help to build communities and connections between people. He also outlines how the arts can develop skills for young people for life and for employment.
- The Angel of the North
Paul shares his fascinating experiences of working with Gateshead Council and commissioning the striking Angel of the North by Antony Gormley.
John Holden is an associate at the independent think tank Demos and a visiting professor at City University, London. He has been involved in numerous major projects with the cultural sector ranging across heritage, libraries, music, museums, the performing arts and the moving image.
- How we value culture and arts
John explains the value of creative and cultural work to the economy, foreign relations and individual identity.
- The value triangle
John uses a triangle diagram to explain the different values that culture can have to different groups in society – intrinsic value, instrumental value and institutional value.
Wolfgang Buttress is an internationally renowned artist and was commissioned by Belfast City Council for the landmark sculpture Rise at Broadway roundabout in Belfast. Wolfgang shares his ideas and concept for the Rise sculpture and how it will be constructed. Introduction from Councillor Michael Browne
Councillor Michael Browne emhasises the importance of working together to ensure that our city’s cultural experience has the power to inspire, empower and elevate those who live in, work in and visit Belfast.
- View Councillor Michael Brown's speech
- Transcript of Councillor Michael Brown's speech (word - 51KB)
Greg Richards is a partner with Tourism Research and Marketing (TRAM), a consultancy specialising in tourism and events. He has worked extensively on the analysis and development of cultural and creative tourism in cities such as Barcelona, Edinburgh and Amsterdam.
- The public value of cultural events
Greg talks about the contribution of cultural tourism and how the arts have helped to transform other cities such as Glasgow, Barcelona and Rotterdam.
