Gathering 2025: (Re)making Practice

Gathering 2025: (Re)making Practice

The Engage Gathering 2025 celebrates the artistry and innovation of visual arts engagement, participation and learning, against the backdrop of Bradford City of Culture 2025.

Join with colleagues from across the UK and beyond, to connect with, discuss and learn from visual arts engagement and gallery education from the past 50 years to now. What practice have we inherited? What will we repurpose? What will we leave behind or carry forwards?

Delegates will take part in creative workshops, interactive discussions and presentations, and have opportunities to experience Bradford 2025 and view the Turner Prize exhibition as part of the Gathering fringe.

In an increasingly precarious and fluid sector, we will come together to revisit, refresh, reimagine and reaffirm the fundamentals of visual arts engagement and learning, and realise our creative ambitions:

• How can we embed creativity and imagination across our work and practice?

• How has the role of the artist changed? How are artists changing our work?

• What is the role of practical creative making within learning and engagement?

• What is the craft, or skillset, of visual arts engagement?

• What are the common values and ideas that bind our community of practice together and motivate our work?

• What might we reshape, disrupt or set aside to meet the needs of the future?

Join us:

• Shape practice: Be part of the conversation on the future of visual arts engagement

• Network: Build lasting connections with collaborators and creative minds.

• Get Inspired: Leave with the practical tools and ideas to energise your practice.

Why Bradford?

The Gathering will take place within the context of Bradford City of Culture 2025. Bradford 2025 is spotlighting Bradford’s dynamic contemporary arts and culture, from dance and theatre to film, music and even food. Through visits and presentations, there will be opportunities to explore and experience parts of the Bradford 2025 within the Gathering 2025 programme.

Who is Gathering 2025 for?

Engage members and non-members are welcome at this event. The programme content is relevant to anyone who:

• Currently works, volunteers or studies in the visual arts sector, at any stage of their career.

• Is an artist, producer, fundraiser, evaluator, researcher, director, programmer, educator, for example.

• Is interested in engagement, participation, and learning practices that involve visual arts or artists.

Engage is the leading network and charity for visual arts engagement and participation in the UK. Find out more about our membership offer: www.engage.org

Booking information

If you or your organisation need to pay by invoice for the event, please email [email protected] by writing 'pay by invoice: Gathering 2025' in the subject.

Engage Personal and Group members are entitled to reduced ticket costs (25-50% off)as part of your member benefits. Discounted places are available only to those with current membership. Eventbrite Promo Codes to unlock these are accessed by logging to our website or emailing [email protected].

Please note your membership must be active at the time of booking and Gathering registration (10-12 November 2025).

Accessibility

If you have any access requirements, please let us know on the booking form how we can help you participate in this event.

Dietary Requirements

Lunch is provided on 11th and 12th of November, along with hot and cold drinks. Please state your dietary requirements when booking.

Local Travel and Accommodation recommendations and discounts are included within your booking confirmation. .

Info: Optional activities across Bradford, a chance to connect with members ahead of the main event and explore cultural venues. These activities are free for booked attendees, and a list of options will be circulated in September 2025 to book on to.

Info: Welcome drinks and networking for all delegates, at a cultural venue in Bradford.

Info: Delegates arrive and register for the Gathering. Tea and Coffee provided.

Info: Reconvene and kick off Day 2 with a provocation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, United Kingdom