Arts and cultural professionals from across the UK to gather in Newcastle for national Family Arts Conference 2026
Arts and cultural professionals from across the UK will come together on Thursday 12 February 2026 for the national Family Arts Conference, taking place at Northern Stage, Newcastle.
Family Arts Campaign is delighted to bring the UK’s largest family arts and culture conference to the North East. This national event is designed for anyone working across the cultural sector, with a focus on family engagement and wider inclusive practice. The Conference is open to people working in all art forms and roles, including freelancers, practitioners, producers, educators, programmers, managers and community organisations, spanning performing arts, libraries, museums, galleries and beyond.
This year’s Conference explores the power of turning stories into action, passion into progress, and art into impact. Delegates will hear from Changemakers and Storytellers working at every level of the sector, who are creating meaningful change through creativity and connection. From local artists and practitioners sparking grassroots movements to national organisations redefining inclusion, the Conference offers both a call to action and a celebration of what’s possible.
Headline speakers include Tobi Kyeremateng, BAFTA-winning producer for film and television; Sarah Bird, Regional Lead for the National Year of Reading; and award-winning author Lisette Auton, alongside artists, researchers and practitioners from across the UK.
The dynamic programme includes keynotes, panel discussions, research presentations, workshops and performances, covering topics such as:
- Making creative programmes for Disabled children and young people more inclusive and sustainable
- Insights from multi-year research exploring stories of change within communities and how to understand and map impact over time
- Building resilient and sustainable changemaking models
- Exploring how sharing difficult narratives of conflict, belonging, and transformation can shape more inclusive cultural spaces
The Conference offers space to explore key concepts in inclusive arts practice and audience development, be inspired by best-practice examples for families and older people, gain practical guidance and support, and connect with peers from across the UK.
Arrival and registration will open at 10.30am, followed by a welcome and opening keynote at 11.15am. The Conference will close at 5.30pm. Lunch, teas, coffees and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
With only a few weeks left to book, the Family Arts Conference 2026 invites cultural professionals from across the UK to secure their place before 29 January. Discover the programme and book tickets here.
“The Family Arts Conference presents an important opportunity for those working in the cultural sector to connect and learn more about how they can better support families in their communities. From inspiring stories from our award-winning organisations to the latest in research for early years and for families with additional needs, the event is sure to be an informative and uplifting event to help cultural professionals make a difference to families in need.”
Anna Dever, Executive Director, Family Arts Campaign
“It’s such a privilege to be hosting this prestigious event in the North East. Removing barriers for diverse family audiences is particularly important to us in our region and this opportunity enables us to showcase some of the groundbreaking work we are doing here. It’s also fantastic that our North East Family Arts Network members will have access to the most insightful learnings from across the country on their doorstep.”
Sallyanne Flemons, Family Arts Ambassador & North East Family Arts Network Director
“I would encourage anyone seeking to make their venue, project or programme more inclusive for families to come along and take part in this event. The Family Arts Campaign do so much to open up the world of culture to all families and they have curated an incredible line up of speakers, panels, workshops and sharing’s which will provide inspiration for all people working in all art forms to do just the same. It should be a glorious day in the North East”
Alexander Ferris, Chief Executive & Creative Director, ARC Stockton Arts Centre