Professor David Amigoni to chair Stoke-on-Trent’s Cultural Forum
Professor David Amigoni, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Keele University, has been invited to chair Stoke-on-Trent’s Cultural Forum, acting as one of the custodians of the city’s new Cultural Strategy.
The Cultural Forum will also be a driving force in Stoke-on-Trent’s bid to be City of Culture 2021.
Professor David Amigoni commented:
“I am honoured to have been asked to Chair Stoke-on-Trent’s Cultural Forum. The Forum is expected to play a leading role in the development of cultural connectivity and capacity between cultural partners and community stakeholders, both outside of and as part of the city’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.
“Keele University’s research feeds into many themes surrounding the City of Culture bid. From developing a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of the local area, to community engagement and creativity in later life, our research-led cultural activities, such as Live Age and CASIC, will play an important role in the bid.”
The proposed UK City of Culture programme will bring people together to reflect on questions of identity and belonging. It will be inclusive, engaging and involving, built on two principles: making and togetherness.
It will also celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s history and current practice of making, while also asking what ‘making’ means in the 21st century in all areas of our cultural life.
Shortlisting takes place in June/July, with full and final submissions in late September 2017.
Paul Williams, from the Stoke-on-Trent City of Culture 2021 bid team, commented:
"From the outset, Keele University has been a key player in the development of Stoke-on-Trent's bid to be City of Culture in 2021. With David now chairing the Cultural Forum, we're looking forward to working with them on future opportunities connected to the SOT2021 bid and beyond."