University to host event to discuss how City of Culture bid can change Ipswich’s future

The University of Suffolk and Ipswich’s City of Culture bid team are coming together to host a public discussion on how the City of Culture bid can change the town’s future.

Taking place on Tuesday 7 July, starting at 6pm, in the Waterfront Building, the Spotlight Suffolk event 'Beyond the bid: What lasting change should City of Culture bring to Ipswich?' will bring the Ipswich and Suffolk community together to contribute to the bid’s development.

Earlier this year, Ipswich was named as one of nine towns and cities on the City of Culture 2029 longlist, sparking discussion around the importance of culture and heritage to boost opportunities for young people, wellbeing and economic growth.

Whether Ipswich reaches the shortlist, or wins the coveted title, how can the cultural sector leverage opportunities to work with regional and town centre businesses, young people and local communities to leave a lasting legacy?

The University's Spotlight Suffolk series brings a panel of expert speakers and a public audience together to discuss topical issues that matter to communities in the county.

The discussion will be chaired by University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor Professor Jenny Higham and will be introduced by Bid Director Amy Vaughan, who was part of the Ipswich Culture and Heritage Strategy team.

Panellists include Kath Cockshaw, Ipswich Culture and Heritage Strategy, Marcus Harris-Noble, Arts Council England and Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Director of Suffolk Centre for Culture and Heritage. Further panellists including young people and business representatives will be announced shortly.

Professor Jenny Higham said: “Ipswich has numerous exciting cultural events and organisations who bring something unique to the region. The City of Culture 2029 bid is a once in a generation opportunity to drive creative and economic growth and it is vital to include all communities to maximise the benefits to Ipswich and the county.”

Amy Vaughan, Ipswich 2029 Bid Director said: "This bid process has already started an important conversation about culture, heritage and the opportunities they create for local communities and the local economy. What matters now is turning the energy and ideas into lasting change for Ipswich and that has to be led by the people who live and work here. I hope as many people as possible will join us on 7 July to help shape what comes next."

The event is free to attend, but places must be booked in advanced via our website here.
 
Event Details:

Spotlight Suffolk - Beyond the bid: What lasting change should City of Culture bring to Ipswich?
Tuesday 7 July
Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start
University of Suffolk Waterfront Building, Neptune Marina, IP4 1QJ