Symposium by the sea
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Symposium Programme
A day of ideas, conversations and coastal perspectives
Beyond the Frame brings together artists, organisations, funders, policymakers and community voices for a full day of talks, panels and discussions on cultural access in rural and coastal places. The programme is designed to spark new thinking, share practical examples, and create space for honest conversation.
Below is the programme for Beyond the Frame, including registration, keynotes, panels and breakout sessions. All sessions take place in the main conference hall unless otherwise noted.
09:00 – Arrival & Welcome
A chance to gather, meet fellow delegates, and settle into the space. Coffee, tea and sea air included.
10:00 – Welcome from Cromer Artspace
A short introduction to the day and its themes.
10:10 – Opening Keynote
Framing the Future of Art Access
Jago Cooper, Director, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
A provocation on cultural value, access and the future of place‑based practice.
10:30 – Panel 1
Beyond the Gallery: Rethinking Access in Rural Communities
A discussion exploring the realities of cultural access in rural and coastal places — from transport and infrastructure to representation, opportunity and visibility.
11:30 – Breakout Session 1
Putting Place at the Centre: Can Rural Places Become the Centre for Art?
A facilitated discussion exploring how rural contexts can lead, not follow, in shaping cultural practice.
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch
Enjoy lunch and a walk on the seafront.
13:30 – Welcome Back
A short summary of the morning and introduction to the afternoon sessions.
13:40 – 13:50 – Success in Action: Case Study
The Bigger Picture
A look at a place‑rooted project demonstrating what meaningful cultural access can look like in practice.
13:50 – Panel 2
Access to Art in Rural Places: Putting Theory into Practice
A conversation focused on practical models, partnerships and approaches that are already working — and what others can learn from them.
14:50 – Breakout Session 2
From Theory to Practice: Models for Rural Art Access
A deeper dive into practical frameworks, challenges and opportunities for delivering cultural access in rural contexts.
16:00 – 16:10 – Break
A short pause before the final sessions.
16:10 – Closing Keynote
Money Where It Matters: Financing Art in Small Places
David Johnson, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Place, Arts Council England
A look at funding, investment and the future of cultural infrastructure in rural and coastal communities.
16:40 – Closing Reflections & Next Steps
A collective reflection on the day’s themes, followed by feedback and a look ahead.
17:00 – Farewell
Thank you for joining us — see you again soon.
