Hull’s annual cultural conference Cultural Tides is returning to Hull Truck, with free tickets now available to book for those with an interest in Hull’s cultural and heritage offer.
Now in its third year, the popular conference attracts members of the culture industry from across the country to listen, learn and share their thoughts on a number of key subjects within the sector.
The rise and impact of AI and new digital technologies will be on the agenda, with a panel of field experts discussing how to embrace and navigate challenges in poses. Tom Kiehl, UK Music, Owen Hopkin, Arts Council England, Professor Dhaval Thakker, University of Hull, Phil Benson, UK Black Tech and Joe Duggan, National Youth Theatre, will discuss how innovation can empower artists, organisations, and communities—and what Hull needs to do now to be ready.
2026’s conference will also shine a spotlight Hull’s unique 46-year partnership with Freetown, Sierra Leone – a relationship rooted in solidarity and shared ambition. Keynote speaker, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism & Cultural Affairs for Sierra Leone, will present insights into Sierra Leone’s cultural and tourism landscape. This will kick off a new chapter in cultural partnership between Hull and Freetown.
A further panel discussion will focus on heritage-led regeneration as Hull prepares to see the completion its multi-million pound Maritime project. Clara Arokiasamy, President of ICOMOS and Tom Frater, Regional Director at Historic England will join Gill Osgerby, Programme Director for Hull Maritime, a representative from National Heritage Lottery Foundation and Chris Jackson, Hull City Council’s Executive Director for Regeneration and Partnerships, in sharing how the city’s maritime story is shaping its future.
Break-out sessions will cover a whole host of topics, including the upcoming spring event Colliderfest, co-designing Hull’s UNESCO Music City Plan, sustaining creative careers and navigating international working.
The day will close with a national keynote speaker who will be announced soon.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure for Hull City Council, said:
“Now we’re in year three, Cultural Tides is really starting to establish itself as a recognised conference for the culture sector.
“This year’s conference discusses some topical issues affecting the industry today, as well as a look at Hull’s cultural plans including the completion of the incredible Hull Maritime programme and our continued work and ambition to become a UNESCO City of Music.
“With 250 attendees in 2025, we’re looking to attract new and old faces from the cultural sector back for another successful day.”
Cultural Tides 2026 takes place on Friday 13 March, 9.30 – 4.45pm at Hull Truck Theatre and is now available to book for free here.