Severn Arts is holding a free online series of discussions 18-20 August 2020 to support Worcestershire event and festival organisers. 

The online programme titled, “Tomorrow, Today", will explore the relationship between festivals, communities and placemaking post-COVID and includes practical advice/guidance on what festival organisers will need to consider in a new approach to staging outdoor events. 

 A team of Event and Production Managers will be sharing practical industry advice surrounding every element of event design and delivery, whilst representatives from Worcester City Council and Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils will be explaining any changes for event organisers; looking at the new documentation needed, considerations on sites and permissions, and what health and safety plans might need to look like moving forward.   

For festival organisers looking to increase or add outdoor arts to their event, there will be a handy session with tips on what works and why, and where to find outdoor work. 

Severn Arts will also be bringing together leading figures from the cultural sector to explore the evolving relationship between communities and festivals from policy, artistic and academic perspectives. With Helen Marriage, Director of Artichoke; Rebecca Blackman, Arts Council National Director for Engagement and Audiences and Director for the Midlands based in Nottingham plus Dr Steven Millington, Manchester Metropolitan University, Institute of Place Management. 

The Future Role of Festivals in Community Engagement, Place-Making and Regeneration will be discussed by Andrew Loretto, Hat Fair Director & freelance theatre maker; Maggie Clarke, Director of XTRAX; Paul Bristow, Arts Council National Director of Strategic Partnerships plus David Edmunds, Festivals Director at Severn Arts. 

As well as seasoned professionals the event offers opportunities for early-career producers made up of University of Worcester graduates and Severn Arts’ events apprentice, who will bring their unique perspectives on the event and reflect on their hopes for the future. 

Laura Worsfold, CEO, Severn Arts said: ”At Severn Arts, we are committed to supporting the cultural sector to re-emerge from Covid-19 stronger, and equipped to deal with the changes required to continue to offer ambitious, engaging and inspiring programmes for the people of Worcestershire to enjoy safely and with confidence. This 3-day event brings national and international expertise to the Worcestershire creative community so that they can bring joy and opportunity to children, young people and the wider community, whatever their background, experience or ability.” 

David Edmunds, Festivals Director, Severn Arts said: “The Arches-Worcester project has always had at the heart of it, the ambition to grow the arts and cultural offer of the City. Now more than ever it is important that we support our events and festivals as they provide a vital role in our communities and the local economy.” 

For further information and to arrange interviews please contact Stephanie Stanesby (Festivals Marketing Manager, Severn Arts) on [email protected] or 07901 250703.