Landmark Barrow summit underlines power of arts in driving regeneration
A landmark summit highlighting the transformative power of arts and culture has been held at the University of Cumbria’s Barrow campus.
Attendees at the Barrow Arts Dividend Summit on Monday 8 June included headline speakers Darren Henley CBE, who is the Chief Executive of Arts Council England, and renowned designer Wayne Hemingway MBE.
University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell also spoke on a day where civic leaders, creatives and community partners discussed ideas about the importance of arts and culture to effective regeneration.
Reflecting on the summit, Hemingway said: “Culture is the catalyst of regeneration and there’s a really exciting opportunity here in Barrow.
“There’s a chance to change the narrative around the town – it’s about finding something deliverable and unique that makes Barrow known nationally.
“I was heartened by the enthusiasm of those who attended the university’s Barrow campus for the summit and I’m hopeful that we can build on the momentum that has been created.”
A central focus of the day was an interactive workshop, where attendees were split into seven groups to develop creative visions and priorities for Barrow.
Led by University of Cumbria academics, teams shared and discussed their ideas with Hemingway during a lively feedback session.
Topics discussed on the day included how engineering meets and interacts with the arts, particularly relevant when considering the defence and advanced manufacturing focus of the region's anchor institutions.
Henley, the author of The Arts Dividend, said: "Right now, there’s a great opportunity in Barrow. Every time I visit, I hear from Barrovians how much they value the brilliant work of artists and cultural organisations in the town.
“They’re hungry for more and it’s something we’re very focused on delivering in Barrow as one of our Priority Places.
“The Arts Dividend summit convened by the University of Cumbria brought together individuals and opportunities to identify ways we can all work together to ensure that the people of Barrow are able to connect with even more excellent creativity and culture every day.”
Henley and Hemingway gave presentations during the summit – the former noting the impact that art has on both the creator and consumer.
Hemingway used examples of regeneration and placemaking work in areas such as Blackburn, Salford and Lowestoft.
A panel then took part in a question-and-answer session, hosted by the University of Cumbria’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development, Claire Aindow.
The panel was made up of Barrow Underground Music Society’s Rob Dunphy, performer and musician Gary Bridgens, Elie Gussman from Liverpool Philharmonic, and North West Music Academy’s Lesley Harris.
Claire Aindow said: “The summit represents a landmark moment, bringing together arts organisations and independent artists working in and from Barrow to articulate a collective voice for the vital role of arts and culture in successful regeneration.
“The strong collegiate spirit evident throughout the day reflects the energy and commitment of delegates, including university colleagues and partners from Arts Council England and Westmorland and Furness Council, all working collaboratively to ensure that Barrow’s regeneration is rooted in culture.
“The participation of leading creative voices such as Darren Henley and Wayne Hemingway further highlights both the significance of the summit and the university’s growing impact in this space, demonstrating the seriousness and ambition with which our convening role is being delivered.”
A partnership including the University of Cumbria, Westmorland and Furness Council, Arts Council England, Team Barrow, and a newly formed creative collective of artists delivering in and from Barrow brought the summit together.
Momentum will now be maintained by bringing together artists to advocate for and catalyse a creative foundation to Barrow’s regeneration, articulating a visible legacy for the summit.