About us

About us

Culture Connects - Our Work

What is Culture Connects?

Culture Connects is a cultural development body supporting people and organisations working in culture, heritage and the creative industries across Hampshire. We exist to help artists, creatives, makers and cultural leaders connect, collaborate and bring ideas to life. We also act as a strategic partner for the cultural sector, advocating for its value and representing its voice to political leaders, funders and decision makers so culture and creativity remain central to our region’s future.

 

Who we are

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We’re a group of like-minded partners united by a shared commitment to advocate for culture, heritage and the creative industries in Hampshire. If you want to help us grow Culture Connects as the strategic voice for culture and creativity in Hampshire, please get in touch.

Jane Bryant

Chair of Trustees,
Winchester Poetry Festival

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Matthew Cleaver

Chief Executive,
Anvil Arts

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Mark Drury

Executive Director,
SPUD

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Charles Freeman

Executive Director,
Creative Network South

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Sheila Pott

Museum Development Officer,
Museum Development South West

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Deryck Newland

Chief Executive and Artistic Director,
Play to the Crowd

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Maria Ragan

Director,
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

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Anooshka Rawden

Cultural Heritage Strategy Lead,
South Downs National Park

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Paul Sapwell

Chief Executive,
Hampshire Cultural Trust

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Jo Stark

Head of Innovation & Commercialisation ,
University of Winchester

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Mary Swan

Artistic Director & CEO,
Proteus Theatre Company

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Leadership through collaboration

Born from a shared belief that culture is stronger when we work together, Culture Connects is facilitated and managed by Hampshire Cultural Trust but is not controlled by any single organisation. It is guided by a partnership of sector representatives who are committed to supporting individuals and organisations to create, collaborate and bring ideas to life.

Culture Connects is still evolving with input from people across our creative community. It is open to all and shaped by those who want to see culture and creativity thrive across our region. If you want to be part of the partnership that steers its direction, we would love to hear from you.

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What we do

 

Advocacy and planning
We champion the value of culture, heritage and creativity, working with partners and influencing political leaders, funders and other decision makers so the creative industries and the people within them are part of long term plans for our region.

Building connections
From our creative directory to events and networks, we make it easier for artists, freelancers, organisations and creative businesses to find each other, share ideas and spark collaborations.

Opportunities and support
We help our network discover funding, training, jobs, spaces and projects. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, Culture Connects supports individuals and organisations to develop their practice and realise new possibilities.

Knowledge and inspiration
We create spaces to learn from each other, share insights and celebrate the talent that makes Hampshire such a creative place. Through workshops, meet ups and online features, we nurture ideas and showcase the diversity of creativity in our region.

Culture Connects

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