An event designed to strengthen the arts and heritage sector in South Oxfordshire was held recently.

The symposium, back for another year at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on March 25, drew 30 participants from museums, theatres, arts organisations, schools and heritage bodies covering both South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse district.

The three-hour session sought to encourage conversation about developing the region’s arts and cultural offerings.

Georgina Heritage, the council cabinet member responsible for communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said the meeting was valuable for bringing together representatives from across the districts once again, that the workshop discussions had produced some genuinely insightful exchanges, and that it was heartening to see the creative and cultural community collaborating and supporting one another.

Conversations focused on sharing approaches to building audiences and promoting inclusion.

Presentations and workshops also addressed funding opportunities and ways to reach fresh audiences, alongside methods for forming partnerships and working collaboratively.

Helen Pighills, cabinet member for community health and wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, noted that it was inspiring to watch local organisations reconnect and share ideas on audience engagement and inclusive practices, and that such occasions helped strengthen existing partnerships, access new audiences, and keep creative activity thriving across the region.

Financial backing for the symposium came via grants awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

A subsequent gathering is scheduled for June this year.

For more details, contact: cultureandheritage@southandvale.gov.uk.