Conferences

EMARAN holds one regional conference a year, which involves artists, creative industries, the voluntary sector, local authorities and rural regeneration organisations. Feedback from our past conferences includes:bq.“This was the first conference where I’ve not felt out of place! It was excellent.”bq. “I found it really useful to talk to people from networks, outside of my usual community.”bq. “I really liked the mix – an excellent venue, interesting things to see, speakers worth learning from”

Network meetings

We are developing our programme and over the next year will begin to develop a series of network meetings that will provide a chance for individuals linked by location, occupation, or interests to get together on a smaller scale. These meetings will provide support, training and facilitation in a more focused setting. Read about our autumn 2009 conferenceRead about our forthcoming network meetings

Our past events include:

• The launch event held in Newstead assessed the need for the network and provided case studies and best practice models for attendees. (November 2006)
• The Six Hour Coffee Break, held in Wirksworth Festival Office and Parish Rooms; a conference and networking event based on arts practice in rural areas with a tour of Wirksworth’s heritage and arts trails. (May 2007)
• Cultural Currency and Market Towns, held in Newark Town Hall in partnership with Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council; looked at the market town events and festivals, how to measure their economic impact, and sharing good experiences through peer discussion with a tour of Newark’s heritage sites and market. (November 2007)
• Artists in Rural Areas, held in Harborough Theatre and Old Grammar School in Market Harborough. This focused on how to thrive as a rural artist with national and regional artists sharing good working methods and networking opportunities. Included a tour of a local gallery and work shown by local artists. (May 2008)
• Cross Fertilization & Companion Planting, held at the Hub in Sleaford, it explored opportunities and good practice relating to artists working in partnership with organisations from the health, regeneration and heritage sectors. (November 2008)
• Changing Landscapes, held in Fermynwoods Gallery, Northamptonshire (May 2009) explored art projects that operate within the landscape and discussed ways of navigating the change in our economic and arts landscape.