Join Engage in Coventry across three days to debate and shape practice.

Art galleries as islands of care, dialogue and action in a volatile world?

Join Engage in Coventry across three days to debate and shape practice. Engage Gathering 2026 will bring together inspiring talks, discussion, creative making and opportunities to meet others across the sector.

Together, we will reflect on practice, explore the wider social and political landscape, and consider how we move towards meaningful action. While the full programme is still to be announced, expect a thoughtful, energising and hands-on Gathering designed to spark ideas and leave you feeling inspired, refreshed and with practical ideas to take back into your work.

Engage members can access discount codes for this event here: https://engage.org/members-area/ (Must be logged in to access)

The Engage Gathering 2026 will draw on the concept 'islands of sanity' explored by author and activist Margaret J Wheatley in her 2024 book 'Restoring Sanity':

At this time when lives and possibilities are destroyed by casual destructive decisions, I aspire for us to be sane leaders devoted to restoring and awakening the finest qualities of being human—our generosity, creativity, and kindness. We will not change the world, but we can create Islands of Sanity where our human spirits come alive and we contribute in ways that make more possible

Our 2026 Conference Programmer and artist Nicola Richardson has used the metaphor of island, waters and boat building to design a programme which will guide delegates through a journey of reflection, context and action.

On the Island focuses on the spaces we create as artists, facilitators and creative practitioners: places and practices that offer care, dialogue, imagination and moments of sanity in a volatile world.

The Waters looks outward to the wider political, social and policy landscape in which this work takes place, creating space to hear from key speakers and to reflect on the pressures, realities and questions emerging for the sector.

Boat Building then turns toward action, exploring the kinds of engaged practice, bridge-building and collaborative approaches that can help us move beyond our immediate spaces and into meaningful dialogue, wider connection and positive change.

Join with visual arts engagement and participation colleagues from across the UK and beyond, for an engaging, reflective and dynamic conference. Come away with learning, practical tools and inspiration to apply to your own settings.

What to expect:

Presentations from inspiring guest speakers from across the UK

Panel discussions and audience participation

Breakout group discussions

Facilitated workshops and creative sessions

Visits to art spaces around Coventry, including British Art Show 10

Networking activities and social opportunities

Join us as at the Engage Gathering in Coventry:

Care: find solidarity, build lasting connections, be restored by inspiring perspectives and experiences.

Dialogue: be part of the conversation, learn together, share your own practice.

Action: leave with the tools, ideas, networks and resources to catalyse change.

Why Coventry?

Gathering 2026 celebrates Engage's recent relocation to the Midlands, delivering our UK-wide activities through a base at Coventry University's School of Arts and Creative Industries. This year Engage is collaborating with the University and the city’s cultural partnerships as they come together for British Art Show 10 by supporting engagement and fringe activity.

Who is Gathering 2026 for?

Engage members and non-members are welcome at this event. The programme content is relevant to anyone who:

Currently works, volunteers or studies in the art sector, at any stage of their career.

Is an artist, producer, fundraiser, evaluator, researcher, director, programmer, educator, for example.

Is interested in engagement, participation, and learning practices that involve visual arts or artists.

Engage is the leading network and charity for visual arts engagement and participation in the UK. Find out more about our membership offer: www.engage.org

About Conference Programmer, Nicola Richardson:

Nicola is a creative facilitator, consultant and co-founder of Vortex Creates, based in Coventry. She has over 20 years’ experience working across the arts, education and community sectors, with a practice rooted in collaboration, consultation and creative participation.

Booking information

If you or your organisation need to pay by invoice for the event, please email info@engage.org by writing 'pay by invoice: Gathering 2026' in the subject.

Engage Personal and Group members are entitled to reduced ticket costs as part of your member benefits. Discounted places are available only to those with current membership, Eventbrite promo codes are accessed by logging to our website or emailing info@engage.org.

Please note your membership must be active at the time of booking and Gathering registration (12-14 October 2026).

App

Description supplied by the event organiser.