The Gather is back. The networking event for professionals returns for its new season with an event in Barrow this month.
The evening, organised by Intro in Carlisle, will be hosted at The Art Gene Gallery on Thursday 17 September and takes the theme of Towns Worth Backing.
It’s a topic chosen by sponsors The Cumberland, and brings together leaders making real decisions to positively impact the region’s towns and communities.
Set among artwork rooted in the local community, it’s an evening for anyone who cares about the towns we work and live in, and for the decision-makers shaping them.
The centrepiece will be a panel discussion and Q&A, featuring Stuart Miller, CEO of The Cumberland; Tom Andrew, acting director of policy at the Cumbria Combined Authority; Maddi Nicholson, artist and co-founder director of Art Gene; and Jackie Arnold, a member of the Team Barrow board. All four are leaders who’ve chosen to invest in the towns they’re part of, rather than pull back from them.
Tom Andrew is helping shape the future of Cumbria through his work at Cumbria Combined Authority. Bringing insight into policy, investment and devolution, he’ll share his perspective on the decisions that can make our towns stronger, more resilient and worth backing.
Maddi Nicholson is the public face of Art Gene, an independent visual arts charity. As an artist her solo work is rooted in place. She works primarily with people and places – her interest is in communities: communities of people, of objects, of interest, of life.
After a career in industry, including 19 years at BAE Systems, Barrow-born Jackie Arnold is the first female chair of The Cumberland in its 176-year history, among many other roles.
Stuart Miller became chief executive of The Cumberland in March, moving from Newcastle Building Society succeeding Des Moore.
Stuart said: “Towns Worth Backing is a theme close to our hearts at The Cumberland. We’ve committed to staying on the high street and investing in it, at a time when others are pulling back.
“Barrow is a great example of a town worth backing, and we’re proud to bring together people who are choosing to invest in places like this rather than walk away. I look forward to discussing the topic with my fellow panellists at The Gather.”
Guests will kick things off with welcome drinks, a chance to network, and a look at work by artist Maddi Nicholson, on display for the evening. Food will be provided using produce from Allotment Soup, the Isle of Walney Community Growing Space – about as homegrown as it gets.
The Gather: Towns Worth Backing at The Art Gene Gallery, Bath Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Thursday 17 September, 5.15pm-8.15pm.
Tickets are £24, and available to buy here.
