Cultural Conversations is a Peterborough-based thought leadership programme. Each year, the Peterborough Cultural Alliance invite a renowned, influential figure into the city to inspire and build conversations about the impact of culture on identity, education and growth.
The inaugural 2024 programme featured guest speaker Lord Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, writer and poet, whose visit comprised three key events:
- A dinner and discussion for invited leaders within the city, hosted by Bishop Debbie Sellin and Peterborough Diocese at The Bishop’s Lodging
- A creative workshop for young people aged 14 – 25, hosted by University Centre Peterborough
- A public talk and discussion, open to all, hosted by the Key Theatre
Browse this year’s programme content through a selection of accessible media available on this page.
“Why does all this matter for a city? Philosophers in the ancient world used to think that a city was a place where you found your soul. If you look at the soul as that dimension of you which is mysterious, growing, unique, then living in a really vital conversational exchange of different cultures, different perspectives, with the energy and courage to do new things – that’s how your soul gets built. Cities need souls. Human communities need vision.”
Lord Williams, Cultural Conversations 2024
Culture as ‘nurture and growth’
During this dinner and discussion event at the Bishop’s Palace, Lord Williams shared thoughts on the impact of culture on growth, enlarging our perspectives of ourselves and the world around us. Afterwards, city leaders explored pressing cultural topics in conversation with one another. Click below to watch the video.
“Being human means pressing against the boundaries of what we take for granted. We ask questions about ourselves and the world around us, and in reflecting and trying to find answers, we find our humanity becomes enriched. We find more people to talk to. By talking to others, we discover more fully and humanely what we can do together”.
Lord Williams, Cultural Conversations 2024
Full transcript of Lord Williams address at Bishop’s Palace below
Culture is what we ‘inherit and make’
During this creative workshop, Lord Williams engaged participants in thought-provoking discussions about the power of culture and the arts, and the importance of owning one’s narrative. The group explored various themes, including identity, creativity, and the role of culture in shaping communities. Young participants were able to ask questions, and then worked together to create a Young People’s Cultural Manifesto for Peterborough. The PCA will take this manifesto to young people in and out of schools across the city
Young People’s Manifesto link – click here
“Multiculturalism is simply a matter of imaginative cooperation, producing a feeling of a world we share, because lots of very diverse positions are being drawn in.”
Lord Williams, Cultural Conversations 2024
Full transcript of Lord Williams address at UCP
Culture creates a sense of belonging
During a public lecture at the Key Theatre, Peterborough, Lord Williams shared with the audience the positive impact culture can have on the social and mental health of a society. Culture welcomes diverse voices and contributes to a sense of belonging to a place. Afterwards, audience members were encourage to ask questions and have conversations about local cultural issues.
“Culture is not a decorative extra but something which enables resources that deepens our sense of belonging together as agents deserving respect, as people who can make a difference, who can look into the mirror and not forget what they look like, and to go and do what needs to be done.”
Lord Williams, Cultural Conversations 2024
Full transcript of Lord William’s address at Key Theatre.
The Cultural Conversations 2024 programme was part of an ACE funded Place Partnership project.
