Themes: strategy implementation, futures thinking for heritage and culture, STEAM and industry partnership via Colliderfest, sustainability & climate response, children & youth creative futures, pan‑northern collaboration. Cllr Mike Ross began the day by launching the new Culture & Heritage Strategy 2025–30 and shared UNESCO bid plans.
Date & Venue: 14 March 2025, at Hull Truck Theatre, part of Colliderfest
Attendees: Over 250 delegates—a 50% increase from 2024 with national and international representation.
Keynote
Ms Galyna Grygorenko, First Deputy Minister of Culture & Strategic Communications, Ukraine, explored international collaboration, cultural resilience, and policy alignment in times of conflict facilitated by Mark Babych (Hull Truck Theatre). Featured the UK premiere of the documentary Culture vs War: Serhiy Zhadan and reflections on culture’s role.
International & National Panels
The 2025 conference brought together an inspiring range of voices, each shaping the conversation around Hull’s cultural future and its international connections. Louise Yates BEM opened by linking the ambition of Back to Ours with Hull’s goal to cement its reputation as a leader in community-led culture and heritage. Cllr Mike Ross launched the city’s new culture and heritage strategy alongside the exciting UNESCO bid, while Cortina Butler of the British Council and Jude Kelly set a wider creative context with One Creative North. A dynamic Q&A with Ross, Butler, and Kelly, chaired by Phil Hargreaves, deepened the discussion. A highlight was the conversation between Darren Henley of Arts Council England and Eilish McGuinness of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, guided by Janthi Mills-Ward. The Nordic session, led by Paul Smith, explored Hull’s cultural links with Reykjavik, Aarhus, and Norrköping, with valuable insights from Arnfríður Sólrún, Lene Øster, and Sandra Wall. The day concluded powerfully with keynote speaker Galyna Grygorenko, First Deputy Minister for Culture of Ukraine, in dialogue with Mark Babych, followed by the premiere of Culture vs War. Serhiy Zhadan, reminding all participants of the urgent global role of culture in times of crisis.
