MADE Symposium 2026: Creative Futures - Culture, Curriculum and Belonging – BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET NOW!
This July, MADE will bring together educators, cultural organisations, artists, school leaders, policymakers and young people for Creative Futures 2026: Culture, Curriculum & Belonging at Manchester Central Library.
At a pivotal moment for education and the arts, this event will explore what the national curriculum review means for cultural education - nationally, regionally and here in Manchester - and explore the question: How do we develop a creative curriculum - and a cultural education sector - where every young person feels they belong?
The symposium will feature contributions from:
• Sally Bacon OBE, Co-Chair of the Cultural Learning Alliance (CLA)
• Derri Burdon, CEO of Curious Minds and Co-Chair of CLA
• Zoe Morris, Prospere Learning Trust
• Professor John McAuliffe, University of Manchester
• Binish Syed Qureshi, Young Trustee and Creative Influencer at MADE
Attendees will also hear from MADE’s Creative Leaders about their experiences of creative leadership, identity and belonging, before taking part in facilitated discussions designed to turn ideas into action.
This is an opportunity to:
• Connect with others across education and culture sectors
• Share challenges and opportunities openly
• Explore the future of cultural learning and curriculum development
• Contribute to a collective action plan for Manchester
📍 Performance Space, Manchester Central Library, M2 5PD
📅 Tuesday 7 July 2026
⏰ 4.00pm – 6.15pm
Places are limited and booking is essential. Book your FREE ticket now.
We’d love for you to join the conversation and help shape what comes next for cultural education in Manchester.
