Heritage Question Time in Oldham and Greater Manchester

In November 2015, the RSA and Heritage Lottery Fund will co-host a series of Heritage Question Time events. These will be panel debates, with questions directly from a public audience.

Building on a working definition of heritage as ‘Anything inherited from the past that helps us, collectively or individually, to understand the present, and create a (better) future’, the panel events will consider new and meaningful ways of connecting people tolocal heritage, and the role of heritage in building distinct, meaningful and sustainable futures.

What is the role for heritage and local identity in devolution, the opportunity for Greater Manchester and the development of the Northern Powerhouse? How does the region’s rich heritage in industry, scientific discovery and innovation provide a distinct national and global image and reputation (ahead of Manchester’s tenure as European Science City 2016)? Going forward, will local identities – in Oldham and other towns and neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester – thrive, survive or subside?

Join us to discuss these questions with local political leaders, community groups, RSA Fellows and researchers, and your fellow local citizens.

Chaired by RSA Chief Executive Matthew Taylor, our Manchester event will be held at The Sharp Project on Thursday 12th November 2015 from 6pm, with a panel featuring Sir Richard Leese – Leader of Manchester City Council, Sally MacDonald – Director of MoSi, Claire Turner – Director of Manchester Histories, Sara Hilton – Head of HLF North West and Bill Lovat – Regional Director of Regenda Housing Group.

The event is free, but registration is required here.

Join in the conversation with #heritageQT