Join Stoke Creates and the Exchange Forum for a day of inspiration, networking, workshops and practical support.

SUMMIT's Up 2026: Cultural Development Day

Presented by Stoke Creates and the Exchange Forum

Your free Summits Up Day Pass gives you access to a festival-style day of ideas, practical support, conversation and connection across venues in Hanley’s Cultural Quarter.

Your pass includes:

Talks, panels and discussions

Networking spaces and drop-in activities

Practical advice and professional-development opportunities

The evening drinks reception

The headline evening programme at Victoria Hall

Day Pass holders will also receive the full programme first, with priority access to book limited-capacity workshops, Arts Council and producer one-to-ones, professional headshots and other special sessions before bookings open more widely.

Limited-capacity activities will require a separate reservation and are not automatically guaranteed by the Day Pass.

SUMMIT's Up is a new cultural development day, produced by the Exchange Forum and Stoke Creates, bringing together artists, freelancers, cultural organisations, community groups, funders, businesses, local authorities and anyone passionate about creativity across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Taking place across the Hanley Cultural Quarter, SUMMIT's Up is designed to inspire new ideas, strengthen partnerships and champion the role culture plays in shaping thriving places and communities.

Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers, take part in practical workshops, access one-to-one advice, meet new collaborators and explore the latest opportunities across the cultural sector. Whether you're just starting out, an experienced practitioner or work alongside the creative industries, there's something for you.

The programme will include:

Inspiring keynote speakers and panel discussions

Practical workshops and talks

Arts Council England sessions

Producer surgeries and one-to-one support

Fundraising and philanthropy support

Free professional headshots

Networking throughout the day and free refreshments - Hot desking

Panels

An evening drinks reception and closing event

SUMMIT's Up is about bringing people together, sharing knowledge and building a stronger, more connected cultural sector for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Wednesday 16 September 2026

12.30pm-8.00pm

Hanley Cultural Quarter, Stoke-on-Trent

Description supplied by the event organiser.