The theme for this year’s free CLOA members conference is ‘Inclusive Growth: harnessing culture, heritage, tourism & wellbeing’ focusing on how our services help to create equitable access to meaningful experiences, participation, and opportunities; strengthening pride in place and community identity.

Inclusive growth is a development approach that ensures the cultural, social, and economic benefits of a place are shared fairly across all communities.

We are delighted to confirm the following keynote speakers who will address the conference.

• Professor Sir Michael Marmot – will highlight how reducing health inequalities is a matter of social justice. Strategies must address the whole social gradient in health, not only the gap between the worst off and everyone else. Evidence shows that national and local policies can make a real difference, but action cannot be limited to the health care system; it must focus on the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. The evidence shows that economic circumstances are important, but are not the only drivers of health inequalities. Tackling the health gap requires coordinated, evidence‑based action across all sectors of society.
• Professor Daisy Fancourt – Daisy’s new book Art Cure offers a timely, evidence‑based argument for the arts as fundamental to health. This address will draw on evidence-based arguments from the book for why investing in the arts supports public health outcomes and health economic return on investment.

There will also be a panel discussion entitled ‘Culture, Heritage and Active Wellbeing: proven drivers, perpetual cuts’  that will explore a persistent paradox:- Despite clear evidence that culture, heritage, tourism and active wellbeing drive inclusive growth, these sectors continue to face disproportionate funding reductions. The discussion will consider the impact of these cuts on local communities and examine practical strategies for advocacy, investment and partnership to secure their future.

As part of the event there will be a CLOA members showcase of examples that demonstrate how culture, heritage, tourism and wellbeing are making a real difference in our communities.

Our sponsors Playfootball, Blake Morgan and Bigwave Marketing will also be giving short presentations about elements of their services and support offer that link to this years conference theme.

We are keen to help foster a dialogue between culture and leisure professionals and strategic leads for economic development and regeneration, so encourage you to invite a relevant colleague in your organisation who you think would benefit from joining the event.

You can register to attend here.