The Ecology of Culture: Public Lecture

Professor John Holden - currently Visiting Professor for the University of Leeds Cultural Institute and School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies - will talk about his recent research report on The Ecology of Culture, looking at how cultural systems work as a whole by exploring the relationships and inter-linkages between publicly funded, homemade and commercial culture.

John will also present some new models of visualising and categorising the cultural world that shift perspectives and challenge assumptions. By applying ecological metaphors such as emergence, interdependence, networks, and convergence to culture, we can gain new understandings about how culture works. In turn, this fresh thinking helps policymakers and arts practitioners to shape their priorities and to assess their achievements.

The lecture will be followed by a reception.

All are welcome. It is free to attend but booking is essential. Please book here via Eventbrite.

The venue for this lecture has now changed to the Nathan Bodington Chamber in the Parkinson Building. It will be followed by a wine reception in the new premises for the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies on University Road, University of Leeds. See here for a campus map.

Biography

Professor Holden is an Associate at the influential think tank Demos, where he was Head of Culture for eight years. He has been involved in many major projects within the cultural sector across libraries, music, museums, the performing arts and film. He has addressed issues of leadership, cultural policy, culture and international relations, evaluation and organisational development, working with governments, cities, cultural agencies and organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Tate, the V&A and the British Museum. Professor Holden has also given keynote speeches on culture at home and abroad, from the US and Canada to Japan and Australia. He has been a trustee of The Hepworth Wakefield since it opened in 2011 and has served on various advisory boards at the University of Oxford, the Royal Opera House, the Design Museum, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Professor Holden's The Ecology of Culture Report is available here online.

This public lecture is organised by the Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage and the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies and is in association with the University of Leeds Cultural Institute's Leeds Participation, Culture and Value Research Network.