Does Medway culture matter?
Our live forum for real conversation and real action on Medway’s future
Steven introduces our second experiment in doing democracy differently: the Local Democracy Café. Find out what it’s about, who’s joining us, and how to grab your seat…
Last month, we hosted the first of three new Local Democracy Cafés, each built around a single theme. The format is ever evolving and being tweaked, but the spirit will stay the same: Local people talking openly about what matters to Medway and how we can turn ideas into tangible outcomes.
The Local Democracy Café is our latest experiment in doing democracy differently. An open, interactive forum designed not just for discussion but for action. Each café will bring together local leaders, experts and residents to talk honestly about Medway’s future and to find practical ways to make it better.
Our second Local Democracy Café takes place at 7pm on Thursday 20 November at MidKent College, and we will be another deceptively simple question:
Does Medway culture matter?
The event will begin with a 45-minute panel discussion, followed by a second session where the conversation turns to the audience. You’ll be able to respond to what’s been said in real time, as we explore what culture means in Medway today.
At the end, we’ll gather the thoughts, ideas and priorities raised during the event and share them publicly, with the aim of turning discussion into tangible local action.
Our panel for the second café includes:
Cllr Nina Gurung, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure on Medway Council, who says “I think we also have a wonderful, creative, heritage and diverse community who work together really well and elevate each other.” For Nina, “the more you know/learn about the rich Medway culture, the more passionate you feel about ensuring everyone gets to learn about and experience it in its entirety.”
Tracy Brunt, Director of Ideas Test, one of the Arts Council of England’s 38 Creative People & Places projects. Ideas Test want “to make creativity part of life for everyone,” and that “it makes me think about all the possibilities there are. Underestimate the power of the arts at your risk!”
Barry Fentiman-Hall, a poet and one half of Wordsmithery, and the team bringing us Medway River Lit, for the third year. Barry describes culture as “a slippery being, that may be cold-hearted, warm-blooded, heavy set or light-headed.” He says, “It has a habit of hiding behind net curtains when somebody tries to define it. Medway Culture can be described in different ways.”
So, does Medway Culture matter? And if it doesn’t, what would it take?
Next week, we’ll dig deeper into the themes behind that question, ahead of the event itself. Then, at the end of the month, we’ll share the insights, stories and ideas that come out of the event.
Attending the café is free, but booking is essential. You can reserve your spot via Eventbrite.
We hope you’ll join us in this experiment and help us find new ways to explore Medway’s culture.
I'm guessing that should be 20 November, not October?