The Cumnock Hour: Genesis Conversations

In collaboration with the Genesis Foundation in London and our East Ayrshire cultural sister organisation Boswell Book Festival The Tryst presents this special panel discussion to mark its tenth anniversary. As part of the ongoing Genesis Conversations taking place around the UK, this event will address key issues relating to the cultural sector and hopes to create greater awareness of the role that the arts can play in rural regeneration. The renowned Scottish journalist Iain Macwhirter leads our prestigious panel of experts in discussion before opening up a Q&A session with our audience.

There are very specific challenges facing rural regeneration which are markedly different from what might happen in urban centres. These include our splintered communities, our scattered populations, a deep poverty concealed in rolling fields and ‘cosy’ villages, a lack of tourist accommodation, transport, self-confidence and any sense of cultural entitlement. How do we achieve pride in our communities in the wake of industrial and economic decline? How do we entice local people to attend arts events? Can schools and education leaders be co-opted into joint strategies? All these questions and more could be raised in this frank and open discussion!