Cultural institutions of all shapes and sizes across the UK and beyond are increasingly investing more time and money in outreach work, going beyond the traditional concert hall, gallery or stage to reach new audiences in their own communities, or bringing under-served audiences into venues which they wouldn't normally frequent. Through learning centres, education programmes and dedicated outreach departments, arts organisations are developing work which reaches audiences who might not otherwise have access to arts content. Organisations often aim to enhance the social impact of their work by involving more children, older people and minorities in specifically tailored programmes, working towards a cultural offering which better represents the communities which they serve.

Our speakers for the evening will include:

Caro Howell (Director, Foundling Museum)
Clare Lovett (Creative Learning & Arts Engagement Consultant)
Bridget Rennie (Director of Development, Streetwise Opera)
Julian West (Creative leader and Head of Open Academy, Royal Academy of Music) - chair

During this panel discussion, they will consider the contribution that arts organisations make to their local communities. How do our speakers' organisations approach audience development, and how do they measure the success of their projects? Can outreach work improve our cities' cultural offering and create a better, more connected, society?

Please join us for networking drinks after the discussion at The Bar at  The Union Street Cafe, 47-51 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BS.