York Culture Strategy Launched at Reignite XII

Over 250 cultural, business and civic leaders gather to shape York’s cultural future

York’s new Culture Strategy was officially launched last week at Reignite XII: The Future of Culture, bringing together more than 250 leaders from across culture, business, education and the public sector at the Yorkshire Museum, followed by continued networking and discussion at York Art Gallery.

The event marked a significant moment for the city, setting out a clear, shared direction for arts, heritage and cultural development in York and placing culture at the heart of the city’s economic, social and civic future.

Reignite XII explored Our Future Ambitions and The Future of Culture through keynote presentations, case studies and panel discussions, focusing on practical challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Topics included sustainability, income generation, creative careers, partnerships and how cultural organisations can evolve to meet changing audiences.

The programme also featured national perspectives from colleagues at Manchester Museum and National Museums Liverpool, positioning York’s ambitions within wider UK cultural conversations.

Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said:

“Reignite XII marked a defining moment for York. The launch of the Culture Strategy gives the city a clear framework and shared ambition for how culture can drive economic growth, social connection and civic pride. The energy in the room was electric, and it was inspiring to see such a broad mix of voices committed to shaping York’s cultural future together.”

A defining feature of Reignite is the breadth of voices it brings together. Creative practitioners sat alongside leaders from retail, hospitality, transport, education and the public sector, highlighting the role of culture as essential infrastructure for a thriving city.

Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said:

“Culture plays a vital role in how York functions and how people experience the city. Reignite brings together sectors that don’t always sit around the same table, and that’s what makes it so powerful. The Culture Strategy provides a shared vision that businesses, cultural organisations and civic leaders can all get behind.”

Now in its twelfth edition, Reignite has welcomed more than 3,000 attendees, building connections across sectors, strengthening relationships and helping to position culture as a core economic and civic driver for York.

Reignite XII reinforced that momentum, demonstrating a strong appetite to collaborate and deliver on the ambitions set out in the York Culture Strategy. When culture is active, the city is active – shaping how York grows, attracts talent, investment and visitors, and how people experience the city.

The next Reignite will take place in mid-March, with a focus on Creative Technologies, continuing the conversation around innovation, creativity and the future of York.

The York Culture Strategy is available to read online, and we encourage everyone to share it widely to ensure as many people as possible are aware of and engaged with its vision for the city.

Download the strategy here: https://reignite.org.uk/

View the film: https://vimeo.com/1157133594