Emerging Futures is a conference for early-career change-makers working independently or within organisations in the Arts, Culture & Creative Industries across the UK.
Whether working independently or within organisations, this dynamic conference serves as a platform to explore and envision the future of leadership in the arts, addressing key challenges and opportunities faced by the industry. Through a series of engaging talks, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, participants gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.
It offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and inspire positive change within the sector.
Programme Details
Previous Emerging Futures Conferences
Emerging Futures 2023:
In July, Emerging Futures returned to Manchester for its third year, exploring the concept of care-fuelled leadership.
Presented by Clore Leadership in partnership with Contact, Manchester, the conference served as a platform for early-career creative change-makers to connect, gain inspiration, and foster meaningful change within their work.
Participants were invited to join discussions, panel sessions, workshops, and creative activities that revolved around the theme of care-centric leadership. Keynote speakers were Gaylene Gould, a multidisciplinary artist and creative director, and Natalie Lee, a content creator, author, and podcast host known for Style Me Sunday.
Other panellists and speakers were leaders who all emphasised the importance of care in their work including Jo Verrent, Director of Unlimited; Paul Smith, Artistic Director and CEO of Middle Child Theatre; Keisha Thompson, Artistic Director and CEO of Contact; and many others.
The event also included a live graphic artwork created by illustrator Rae Goddard of Paraphrase Studio and poetry by performance poet Ella Otowemo. The conference provided attendees with the opportunity to discuss mental health and well-being support throughout the day with the charity Wellbeing in the Arts.
Emerging Futures 2020:
Emerging Futures 2020 encompassed a two-day online conference and eight workshops held between September and October. This event aimed to provide a platform for early-career leaders to engage with established figures and peers, shaping their own leadership trajectories. Key topics, such as diversity and inclusion, climate change, and power, took centre stage.
To capture the essence of the conference, zine artist Rose Sergent and poet Elmi Ali artistically interpreted the content and participant interaction. The full zine, including Elmi’s poem “Emerging Futures,” can be viewed online.
Testimonial
What a pleasure to be able to dip into the extremely impressive and thought-provoking #emergingfutures2020 conference organised by @CloreLeadership
James Cronin @jamescronin
Such inspiring participants and speakers. Feeling hopeful about the future of our cultural sector.