Can cultural heritage improve cities and regions? Can it boost the educational and life prospects of citizens? Does it have a role to play in urban regeneration? The answer to all these questions is a resounding yes. And at a time of economic austerity and funding constraints, creative cities and cultural leaders are finding new ways to work together, to explore opportunities and to turn ideas into reality.

This international conference will bring together professionals from the cultural heritage community and beyond to look at the social and economic value of heritage. The programme will include:

• high–profile, thought–provoking speakers

• case studies of innovative projects and organisations from across Europe

• seminars and round table discussions 

• opportunities for professional development, future partnerships and sharing of ideas

• demonstrations of digital developments and applications 

• special access to Norwich’s most outstanding historic buildings

• exciting cultural activities, exhibitions and entertainment

Keynote speakers

Charles Landry, Urbanist and Founder of Comedia, UK

Jonathan Drori and Dominic Tinley, Digital and Outreach Consultants

And:

Helen Ball Head of Engagement, Audiences London

Dea Birkett Founder and Director, Kids in Museums

Rosie Clarke Marketing Co–ordinator, Culture 24

Jennifer Davies Development Director, Philharmonia Orchestra

Bart Doucet Department for Culture, Stad Gent

Dr Beatriz Garcia Head of Research, the Institute of Cultural Capital, University of Liverpool

Michael Loveday Chief Executive, Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust and Project Director, EU Interreg Project SHAPING 24

Professor Ruth Towse Professor of Economics of Creative Industries, Bournemouth University

Professor Myriam Verbeke Professor Emeritus Geography – Tourism, University of Leuven and Founding Member of the World Heritage Tourism Research Network

The full programme will be announced when booking opens at the end of May. If you would like to be notified as soon as the full programme is announced and booking opens, please email janetrobertson@heritagecity.org. 

Conference audience

The conference is aimed at practitioners and academics who work in heritage, culture, tourism, regeneration, planning and community organisations, including fundraisers, project managers, development managers, engagement and outreach managers, marketing managers, policy–makers, budget–holders, politicians and researchers.

Get involved

Call for papers: The conference will provide a platform for practitioners and academics from across Europe to share knowledge, challenges and ideas. We would like to invite both practitioners and academics to submit abstracts that explore relevant themes for presentation at the conference.

Volunteer: There will be many opportunities for volunteers to get involved and help with the organisation and running of the conference. Volunteers will gain valuable events experience, have the chance to be trained through the Norwich Ambassador Scheme and may have the chance to hear some of the speakers. If you are interested in volunteering during the conference or before the event itself, please send your details to the conference volunteer co–ordinator Rachel Barrett, rachelbarrett@heritagecity.org. Full details of the volunteering opportunities will be available here in August.

The conference is an initiative of the EU–project SHAPING 24, a collaboration between Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) in the UK and Stad Gent in Belgium.