"Only Connect!" An International Community Symposium

"Only Connect!" An International Community Symposium (10am Wednesday 22nd October - 12:30pm Thursday 23rd October 2025)

This October, “Only Connect!” will return to Cornwall for its third in-person event.

Join us for two days of talks and workshops celebrating the power of creative intergenerational and inclusive practice and research to unite communities.

The symposium focuses on methods of empowering both people with dementia and young people. We will explore the connections and parallels within intergenerational practice between art and nature, with the climate crisis as a key consideration. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity for like-minded individuals across sectors (and the globe) to share ideas, inspire one another, and build a supportive community.

This special event is hosted on the stunning west coast of Cornwall at Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange, with a coach expedition to Potager Garden for a magical evening meal. The symposium is open to all – whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to explore the possibilities of intergenerational practice. Get ready to connect, make, talk, wonder and look beyond the horizon to what is possible.

Timings and locations:
The event will start at 10am at The Exchange (Penzance) with coffee and networking, with talks starting at 11am, to allow delegates time to travel on the morning if needed. After journeying together by coach to Newlyn Art Gallery for workshops and then on to Potager Garden for an evening, we will come back to Penzance so we recommend organising accommodation there on Wednesday 22nd October night. We will resume the event at The Exchange in Penzance on Thursday 23rd October morning, finishing by 12:30pm. We recommend coming by public transport, with Penzance being on the main line to London as well as Bristol, Birmingham and as far up as Edinburgh (not Aberdeen anymore, sadly!)

If you have further questions concerning accommodation and transportation, please contact us at info@the-photobook-project.com

Tickets

Please note: our event is self-funded so ticket sales will go towards making this gathering possible. Therefore, if you are able to cover the full ticket price, this will be greatly appreciated. This cost is also inclusive of an evening meal at Potager Garden, lunch at The Exchange on 22nd October, cream tea as well as coffee, tea and biscuits at regular intervals.

If you would like to discuss tickets, please contact us at info@the-photobook-project.com

Speakers

Sue Egersdorff - Founder of Ready Generations

Rebecca English - Programme Producer at Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange

Peter Daniels - Former Chief Happiness Officer at Humanitas Deventer

Ellen Love - Learning and Participation Manager at Leach Pottery

Stephen Clarke - award winning film maker and co-producer of biggerhouse film CIC

Ronald Amanze and David Truswell - Box of Smiles

Dr Emily Dodd - Researcher at University of the West of England

More to follow!