Be part of the conversation about cultural access in rural and coastal places

Beyond the Frame isn’t just a symposium –  it’s a gathering of people who care about cultural fairness, from artists and community organisers to funders, policymakers and local residents. There are many ways to take part, whether you want to join the event, contribute your experience, or support the wider work.

Many people who live in rural, coastal or outer‑urban areas still find it hard to access the arts. Sometimes it’s travel, sometimes cost, sometimes simply that most big cultural spaces are in cities. Beyond the Frame is a symposium about how we can change that, how we can spread cultural opportunity more fairly and make sure art reaches people wherever they live.

Just as artists push the boundaries of what art can be, this event asks us to rethink where art happens, who gets to experience it, and how we can make it feel relevant to more people. We’ll look at how to widen participation, share resources more fairly, and support creative work that’s rooted in real communities, not just big institutions.

Ahead of the day, and if you can’t attend the day, this is your opportunity to join the conversations.  

There are two main themes:

1: The Ideas Behind Decentralisation

• What “decentralising art” really means — in simple, everyday terms
• Where change starts — with artists, curators, funders or institutions
• Making exhibitions more welcoming — how to involve people, not just show work
• Art outside the gallery — taking creativity into everyday places 

2: What This Looks Like in Real Life

• Funding that reaches more people — how systems could work better
• Putting community at the centre — not just as “outreach”
• How big institutions can help — especially in rural and coastal areas
• Reaching wider audiences — what gets in the way, and what helps 

Follow these links to discussion pages on these 2 themes

Why Your Involvement Matters

This symposium is built on the belief that cultural access should not depend on where you live.
Your voice — whether you’re an artist, a teacher, a volunteer, a policymaker, a funder or a local resident — helps shape a fairer cultural landscape.

Together, we can rethink how culture is made, shared and supported in rural and coastal places.