Reignite XII: The Future of Culture Sets the Stage for York’s Culture Strategy Launch
York will take a major step forward in shaping its cultural future with Reignite XII: The Future of Culture, taking place on Thursday 22nd January from 6-9pm. The evening begins at the Yorkshire Museum and continues with a Late Event at York Art Gallery.
Reignite XII will mark the official launch of the York Culture Strategy, setting out a shared vision for arts, heritage and cultural development across the city. The strategy outlines priorities for the coming years, including strengthening community engagement and inclusivity, supporting the creative workforce, enhancing York’s cultural identity, and encouraging innovative partnerships across sectors.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “Reignite has always been about bringing people together to think ambitiously about the role of culture in shaping places and communities. Launching the York Culture Strategy at Reignite XII reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, inclusivity and long-term sustainability, ensuring culture continues to thrive at the heart of York.”
The event will bring together cultural organisations from across York alongside national leaders from National Museums Liverpool and Manchester Museum, creating space to share learning, explore new ideas and strengthen connections across the North of England.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said: “Culture is central to York’s identity and future prosperity. The York Culture Strategy provides a clear framework for supporting creativity, strengthening our cultural economy and ensuring that culture is accessible to all. Reignite XII is an important moment to learn from regional partners and to build momentum around York’s ever expanding cultural ambitions.”
The Future of Culture Panel Discussion: Learning from the North
A key highlight of the programme is ‘The Future of Culture’ panel discussion, which brings leading perspectives from across the North and emphasises the value of regional collaboration and shared learning. The panel features Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool and Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum.
Drawing on their institutions’ recent successes, the discussion will explore how major cultural organisations are responding to shifting audience expectations, financial pressures and technological change, while continuing to deliver ambitious and socially engaged programmes. National Museums Liverpool, which welcomes over 3 million visitors each year, has delivered high-profile exhibitions and initiatives that connect world-class collections with contemporary social issues, demonstrating the significant cultural and economic impact of large-scale, accessible museums.
Manchester Museum’s recent exhibitions and redisplay projects have been widely recognised for placing community voices, environmental responsibility and inclusive storytelling at their core, offering a model for how museums can remain relevant, trusted and innovative while reaching new and more diverse audiences.
The panel will examine how these approaches generate substantial economic and social impact, from driving tourism and supporting local economies to creating jobs and skills pathways across the cultural sector. Panellists will share practical insights into sustainable exhibition models, income generation, digital innovation and audience development, highlighting how museums and galleries can balance creativity with long-term resilience.
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID said: “Reignite XII is an opportunity to listen, connect and think collectively about what comes next. By bringing together local cultural voices with national leaders from across the North, we can share knowledge, learn from success and shape a cultural landscape that is vibrant, inclusive and resilient.”
Event Timings
- 18:00–19:30 – Presentations and panel discussion: The Future of Culture
- 19:30–21:00 – Networking, drinks and DJ at York Art Gallery, with exclusive access to the Aesthetica Art Prize and Future Tense exhibitions
Reignite is a cross-sector platform connecting culture, business, education, technology and placemaking. Reignite XII is delivered by Aesthetica, York BID, and York Museums Trust, with the vital funding support of David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.