About this Event
Join the University of Salford, Royal Horticultural Society and Open Eye Gallery for a one-day symposium exploring how collaboration across the arts, environment, higher education and public sectors can create ambitious, meaningful and place-based cultural projects.
Inspired by the OFFSHOOT partnership, the day will share learning from a multi-year collaboration that has embedded artists at RHS Garden Bridgewater through long-term residencies, research and community engagement.
Together, the partners have commissioned four artists, engaged more than 400 participants in creating new work, presented five exhibitions across three North West venues, delivered a series of public talks with industry experts, and reached audiences of more than 500,000 people.
What to expect
The symposium is designed for artists, commissioners, academics, funders, cultural organisations, environmental partners and public sector leaders — whether you are developing commissions, shaping policy, undertaking research or delivering creative and environmental programmes.
Through panel discussions and facilitated roundtables we will explore:
● Commissioning artists beyond traditional cultural venues
● Building long-term partnerships across culture, nature and higher education
● Broadening access to arts, heritage and the natural environment
● Demonstrating the impact of creative work on people and place
● Connecting research, cultural practice and the environment
● Sharing practical learning, experience and best practice
Attendance is free, but places are limited and booking is required.
OFFSHOOT is a collaboration between University of Salford Art Collection, RHS Garden Bridgewater and Open Eye Gallery Liverpool and is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Entry:
Entry to the New Adelphi Building is fully accessible with step-free access and double automatic doors.
Navigating:
There are entrance doors on all four sides of the building. You’ll find the Box Office reception desk towards the centre of the building, arrive here to sign-in or to speak to one of our team.
The main theatre is on the ground floor. Where breakout spaces are upstairs, there are lifts and stairs available.
Facilities:
There are toilets nearby on the ground floor, behind the Box Office, including level access to an accessible toilet. There are spaces to rest and purchase refreshments. The theatre is fully seated.
Mobility:
We can accommodate six wheelchair users and their companions in the Theatre auditorium. If you have limited mobility or are accompanied by a guide dog, we can allocate you a seat with step-free access and extra room, on the left or right-hand side of the stalls. For any of these options, please select the 'accessible' ticket.
Rest/quiet spaces
The New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery is located on the ground floor and offers a quiet environment with current nature-themed show Carry the Clouds Away. New Adelphi Building has several comfortable seating spaces in the ground floor Atrium / cafe area. Or rest outdoors outside New Adelphi / Chapman Building, or Peel Park 5 minutes away.
Refreshments:
Tea/coffee/water will be provided. Water refill stations are also available for refillable flasks.
To avoid unnecessary waste and to keep down costs we will not be providing lunch. Please feel free to bring your own lunch to eat in the venue, or you can buy your own from the following venues. All have vegetarian and vegan options and are around five minutes walk from
New Adelphi:
● Eat and Drink at Salford: several options are available, with weekly changing menus. https://www.salford.ac.uk/campus/eat-and-drink
New Adelphi Cafe (grab and go options e.g. sandwiches)
Maxwell Food Hall (pastas, curries, etc - menu changes weekly)
Broadwalk Convenience store (grab and go options eg. sandwiches and snacks)
● The Old Fire Station Bakery: https://firestationsalford.co.uk/
● Salford Museum and Art Gallery cafe: https://salfordmuseum.com/visit/cafe/
Post event: Join us for the reception
Following the symposium, join us for an informal drinks reception and networking at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, including an opportunity to visit OFFSHOOT: Yan Wang Preston: Memory Keepers, the final exhibition of the project.
Also on display is work by Liz Lock and Salford Youth Service. Further work by Yan Wang Preston and community members can be seen at RHS Garden Bridgewater until 28 February 2027.
Event takes place 4.30 – 6.30pm. For access queries for this venue, please contact our team or visit the Salford Museum & Art Gallery website.
Further info:
Building guide: https://www.newadelphitheatre.co.uk/
Further access info: https://www.newadelphitheatre.co.uk/accessibility/
For any further queries, including accessibility adjustments, please contact the team at: [email protected]
Agenda
Speaker schedule to be announced – check back soon for updates!
Event venue & nearby stays
New Adelphi, University Road, Salford, United Kingdom
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