Thinking about the cultural future we’re going to make together.

 

When and where?

4th and 5th July 2019. Temple Newsam, Leeds. (4th 11:00- Late. 5th 10:00-15:00)

Who was it for?

This was an event for people who care how culture works in this country and will commit time and effort to take action to make it better. You might be an independent artist or producer or someone who is leading a cultural organisation, and at any stage of your career. Wild Conference was for passionate people who wanted to listen, engage and share ideas and then leave the conference prepared to take responsibility for making positive change happen. 

What was it?

It was a series of talks, presentations, activities and discussions in a little tented village built around a camp fire designed for a participating live audience of 450. A different type of space designed to create new thoughts. All in the grounds of a publicly-owned former stately home in Leeds.

Who was speaking?

We approached contributors from the world of medicine, politics, education, social science, the military as well as charities and the wider world of culture.

Recordings of the talks and discussions can be found on the archive page.  

How was it made?

Slung Low worked with the brilliant designer David Farley and our team of collaborators to make the camp and run the two day of events. You can see who the Wild Conference Curators are here.

What else can we tell you?

A lot of the activity was concurrent- talks happened simultaneously in different tents. Everyone was given a set of headphones and a Slung Low receiver that allowed you to switch between any of the speakers at any point. All the talks were audio streamed on the internet during the day and available here.

Cabaret and food

In the evening of the 4th after dinner there was an outdoor cabaret around the bonfire. There was a bar. There was cocktails.

There was food as well of course! The food was a mix of street food, a bbq and packed lunches. It was all included and we catered for all allergies and eating preferences.

Creche

There was a creche on site organised by our brilliant childcare partners Bea & Co.

International Twinning

We worked with the British Council to welcome 30 International Delegates to the conference and there is an opportunity (supported by the British Council) for a small number of individuals and organisations to host these artists after the conference: details of how to get involved in this was sent to you as part of a briefing after you signed up for a ticket.

Accessibility

The site was step free. The ground was firm grass, there was a light slope throughout the site. There was fully accessible toilets.

Pay What You Decide.

The event was Pay What You Decide. This is not an act of generosity or charity on anyone’s part. It is an act of politics. A part of a ten year campaign by Slung Low to look at operating beyond the market and the best use of public arts funding. It is also one of the many ways we are hoping to encourage people who might not otherwise be able to attend the event but whose voice is vital.

 

If you’ve any questions or concerns please email us at wildconference@slunglow.org

Press enquiries:  Anys Williams or Olivia Rhodes at Anita Morris Associates / 01943 603311. Anys@anitamorrisassociates.co.uk / Olivia@anitamorrisassociates.co.uk