Bridging Communities and Celebrating Heritage: Teesside's Cultural Renaissance
October 23, 2024, 10:36 am
Location: United Kingdom, England, Middlesbrough
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1927
Teesside is buzzing. Two recent events showcase the region's commitment to community collaboration and cultural heritage. The inaugural Community Hub Conference and the upcoming Being Human Festival highlight a vibrant tapestry of local engagement and historical reflection.
The Community Hub Conference, held at Teesside University, gathered 145 passionate individuals from various organizations. The goal? To forge connections and explore collaborative opportunities. It was a melting pot of ideas, a space where community groups could brainstorm ways to uplift the Tees Valley.
The conference, aptly titled "Building a Stronger Teesside," is part of the university's civic mission. It aims to connect education with community needs, using knowledge as a tool for social and economic progress. This isn’t just talk; it’s a call to action.
Keynote speakers brought wisdom and experience. Dame Julia Unwin, a prominent figure in civil society, emphasized the university's role in local development. Jon Carling, a veteran in charity leadership, shared insights from his journey. Their words were like seeds, planting ideas for future growth.
Panel discussions tackled pressing topics. Social value, procurement, and regeneration projects were on the table. The conversations were electric, sparking new thoughts on how the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector can thrive.
Dr. Jo Heaton-Marriott, a key player at Teesside University, highlighted the institution's commitment to positive change. Her vision is clear: transform lives and economies through collaboration. This conference is just the beginning. Smaller regional events will follow, focusing on participatory research. These gatherings will empower organizations to shape research that meets community needs.
The enthusiasm in the room was palpable. Rex Elston, the Social Responsibility Manager, noted the passion of attendees. It was a reminder that when people unite, they can create ripples of change. Stephen Goodall, the Social Responsibility Officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for new collaborative models.
As the conference concluded, plans for another gathering in 2025 were already in the air. The momentum is building. Teesside is ready to embrace its future.
Meanwhile, the Being Human Festival is set to celebrate the region's rich heritage. This nationwide event, running from November 7 to 16, will spotlight local landmarks and stories. Teesside University is one of only five universities chosen as a hub for this festival. It’s a badge of honor.
The festival promises a diverse array of events. From interactive workshops to guided walks, each activity is designed to engage the community. Participants will explore the significance of the River Tees and challenge the lack of diverse representation in public statues. It’s a chance to reflect on the past while envisioning the future.
One standout event is "Bridging Past and Future Through Digital Storytelling." Participants will gather at the Transporter Bridge visitor center, a local icon. They’ll storyboard memories and dreams, connecting generations through creativity. It’s a bridge of imagination.
Another highlight is "Memorialising Middlesbrough’s Women," a workshop commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Ellen Wilkinson’s election as a Labour MP. This event honors the women who shaped the region’s political landscape. It’s a celebration of voices that often go unheard.
The festival also features unique soundscapes and film screenings. "In the Veins," a short film about the miners’ strikes, will be screened, followed by a Q&A with historians. This dialogue will enrich understanding of the region’s labor history.
Guided walks will explore public art in Centre Square, revealing the stories behind the installations. Each piece is a chapter in Teesside’s narrative, waiting to be uncovered.
Sally Blackburn-Daniels, a Research Fellow at Teesside University, expressed excitement about leading the festival hub. The program is rooted in local culture, showcasing the best of arts and humanities research. It’s a celebration of identity, a chance to reflect on what makes Teesside unique.
Admission to all events is free, making it accessible to everyone. This inclusivity is vital. It invites the community to participate, to engage, and to celebrate together.
Teesside is at a crossroads. The Community Hub Conference and Being Human Festival are not just events; they are movements. They signify a commitment to collaboration, heritage, and community empowerment.
As the region looks to the future, it carries the weight of its past. The stories of its people, the struggles, and triumphs are woven into the fabric of Teesside. These events are a reminder that history is not just about what has been; it’s about what can be.
In a world that often feels divided, Teesside stands as a beacon of hope. It shows that when communities come together, they can create a brighter future. The seeds planted at the conference will grow into a forest of collaboration. The stories celebrated at the festival will echo through time.
Teesside is not just a place; it’s a community. A community ready to rise, to connect, and to celebrate its rich heritage. The future is bright, and the journey has just begun.
The Community Hub Conference, held at Teesside University, gathered 145 passionate individuals from various organizations. The goal? To forge connections and explore collaborative opportunities. It was a melting pot of ideas, a space where community groups could brainstorm ways to uplift the Tees Valley.
The conference, aptly titled "Building a Stronger Teesside," is part of the university's civic mission. It aims to connect education with community needs, using knowledge as a tool for social and economic progress. This isn’t just talk; it’s a call to action.
Keynote speakers brought wisdom and experience. Dame Julia Unwin, a prominent figure in civil society, emphasized the university's role in local development. Jon Carling, a veteran in charity leadership, shared insights from his journey. Their words were like seeds, planting ideas for future growth.
Panel discussions tackled pressing topics. Social value, procurement, and regeneration projects were on the table. The conversations were electric, sparking new thoughts on how the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector can thrive.
Dr. Jo Heaton-Marriott, a key player at Teesside University, highlighted the institution's commitment to positive change. Her vision is clear: transform lives and economies through collaboration. This conference is just the beginning. Smaller regional events will follow, focusing on participatory research. These gatherings will empower organizations to shape research that meets community needs.
The enthusiasm in the room was palpable. Rex Elston, the Social Responsibility Manager, noted the passion of attendees. It was a reminder that when people unite, they can create ripples of change. Stephen Goodall, the Social Responsibility Officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for new collaborative models.
As the conference concluded, plans for another gathering in 2025 were already in the air. The momentum is building. Teesside is ready to embrace its future.
Meanwhile, the Being Human Festival is set to celebrate the region's rich heritage. This nationwide event, running from November 7 to 16, will spotlight local landmarks and stories. Teesside University is one of only five universities chosen as a hub for this festival. It’s a badge of honor.
The festival promises a diverse array of events. From interactive workshops to guided walks, each activity is designed to engage the community. Participants will explore the significance of the River Tees and challenge the lack of diverse representation in public statues. It’s a chance to reflect on the past while envisioning the future.
One standout event is "Bridging Past and Future Through Digital Storytelling." Participants will gather at the Transporter Bridge visitor center, a local icon. They’ll storyboard memories and dreams, connecting generations through creativity. It’s a bridge of imagination.
Another highlight is "Memorialising Middlesbrough’s Women," a workshop commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Ellen Wilkinson’s election as a Labour MP. This event honors the women who shaped the region’s political landscape. It’s a celebration of voices that often go unheard.
The festival also features unique soundscapes and film screenings. "In the Veins," a short film about the miners’ strikes, will be screened, followed by a Q&A with historians. This dialogue will enrich understanding of the region’s labor history.
Guided walks will explore public art in Centre Square, revealing the stories behind the installations. Each piece is a chapter in Teesside’s narrative, waiting to be uncovered.
Sally Blackburn-Daniels, a Research Fellow at Teesside University, expressed excitement about leading the festival hub. The program is rooted in local culture, showcasing the best of arts and humanities research. It’s a celebration of identity, a chance to reflect on what makes Teesside unique.
Admission to all events is free, making it accessible to everyone. This inclusivity is vital. It invites the community to participate, to engage, and to celebrate together.
Teesside is at a crossroads. The Community Hub Conference and Being Human Festival are not just events; they are movements. They signify a commitment to collaboration, heritage, and community empowerment.
As the region looks to the future, it carries the weight of its past. The stories of its people, the struggles, and triumphs are woven into the fabric of Teesside. These events are a reminder that history is not just about what has been; it’s about what can be.
In a world that often feels divided, Teesside stands as a beacon of hope. It shows that when communities come together, they can create a brighter future. The seeds planted at the conference will grow into a forest of collaboration. The stories celebrated at the festival will echo through time.
Teesside is not just a place; it’s a community. A community ready to rise, to connect, and to celebrate its rich heritage. The future is bright, and the journey has just begun.