Offering inspiration, ideas and opportunities for cross-sector exchange, Civic Fabric 2018 aims to provide a space where fresh thinking and new ideas can be shared beyond the constraints that sometimes hold cultural and community organisations back.

Civic Fabric will explore how a diverse range of such organisations can build resilient futures together, seizing the opportunities presented in the nationwide shift to new governance models and increased community focus across our sectors.

These changes offer exciting opportunities in common: new kinds of organisation; partnerships; community participation; and income generation for example; but they also require investment in the skills, knowledge and confidence of our people to make them thrive.

This one-day conference will see national and local experts, and those on the front line of cultural delivery across a range of sectors coming together to collaborate and discuss the possibilities ahead.

Keynote speakers will discuss these issues across a range of cultural and community organisations across the UK:

• Museums: Maria Bojanowska, Head of National Programmes, British Museum

• Churches: Wendy Coombey, Community Partnership & Development, Diocese of Hereford

• Community Asset Transfer: Meena Bharadwa, Development Manager, Locality

A panel of local experts, representatives from a similar range of sectors, will ground these matters in regional - and especially rural - context in Herefordshire.

Free practical workshops will offer guidance on a range of topics, covering skills and knowledge in areas such as: understanding a range of governance models; diversifying revenue; measuring social impact; and volunteer management, for example.

The Civic Fabric conference recognises the common changes we face, opportunities ahead and skills we need in order that cultural and community organisations may play their central role in fostering local pride and ambition, and in contributing to the social, economic and environmental development.

Tickets are free and the conference is open to everyone.

Civic Fabric: skills, sustainability and strong futures for Culture is the first in the Pride of Place conference series, organised and hosted by Herefordshire’s a Great Place, and generously supported by the Elmley Foundation.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England co-funded Herefordshire’s a Great Place is being delivered by Rural Media Charity on behalf of the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age requirement to enter the event?

18+.

Where is the Civic Fabric conference being held?

The Left Bank, Bridge Street, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 9DG.

Directions are available at google.co.uk/maps/Left+Bank

Is there parking at the venue?

There are several public car parks within close walking distance of the Left Bank, as well as Pay and Display on-street and Blue Badge parking throughout Hereford city. Please visit en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/left_bank.

There is no parking at the Left Bank itself.

If coming by train, please note that Hereford Station (HR1 1BB) is a 19 minute walk from the conference venue.

Where can I find more information on the workshops?

Workshops will be themed on a range of common skills and knowledge development areas. Likely topics include: understanding a range of governance models; diversifying revenue streams; measuring social impact; and volunteer management, for example.

More details for the sessions will be announced closer to the event as facilitators and formats for the workshops are confirmed.

There is no need to pre-book for the workshops. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis on the day.

Can I book group tickets?

As places are limited, we ask that you do not book more than two tickets per person/organisation. If you would like to request more than 2 tickets, please email greatplace@ruralmedia.co.uk or call us on 01432 344039.

Can I transfer my ticket to another person?

Yes. If you need to transfer your place to another person, please edit your booking details via Eventbrite and/or notify us of ticket transfers as soon as possible by emailing greatplace@ruralmedia.co.uk.

If you can no longer attend the conference and need to cancel your place, please do so via Eventbrite as soon as possible.

Will there be refreshments on the day?

Yes. Lunch is included in your ticket.

Can I register dietary requirements?

Yes. This can be done when you book your Civic Fabric ticket online through Eventbrite.

Will there be Wi-fi at the venue?

Yes. You will be given the Wi-fi network and access password when you arrive.

Can I have a stand at the event and/or insert publicity material into conference packs?

If you are interested in further involvement in Civic Fabric, we’re happy to talk about the options. Please email greatplace@ruralmedia.co.uk letting us know what you’re interested in, and one of the team will get back in touch.

How do I contact the organisers?

You can get in touch with us at greatplace@ruralmedia.co.uk or 01432 344039.