Key Conference Details
- Dates: Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2026
- Location: Venues across Rotherham town centre, with visits to creative and cultural locations across the borough.
- Cost: Free / Pay-What-You-Can
How to book
Book your tickets on the Rotherham Civic Theatre websiteSuggested donations
Our Creative Conference is open to everyone, and you are very welcome to attend for free. If you are able to donate, your contribution will help create new opportunities for children and young people in Rotherham as part of the legacy of Children’s Capital of Culture.
We suggest a standard donation of £60 or £120 for supporters.
About the Conference
In 2025, Rotherham became the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture – a big title for a borough with a big dream.
This two-day Creative Conference will reflect on what happens when a community embraces the ideas of its children and young people, empowers them to lead, and supports them to co-create the future they imagine.
Rotherham’s young people have been at the heart of co-producing this event, and will be speaking, presenting, and sharing their experiences of Children’s Capital of Culture at the conference.
Join us to explore the learning, partnerships, and creativity that have shaped this pioneering initiative - and discover how these approaches can inspire change in your own work.
What to expect
The conference will include:
- Panel discussions, Q&As, and storytelling sessions featuring collaborators and partners sharing insights into co-production with children and young people.
- Hands-on creative sessions that demonstrate co-production in action, with opportunities to discuss and reflect.
- Visits to local creative projects and venues showcasing Rotherham’s growing cultural scene.
- Performances, exhibitions, and participatory activities highlighting the talent and creativity of Rotherham’s young people.
- Presentations from study groups on Creative Skills, Creative Learning, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Learning, with practical tools and frameworks to take away.
- Legacy announcements outlining the next chapter for the Children’s Capital of Culture programme.
A full programme will be announced in early 2026.
Who should attend
The Creative Conference is designed for professionals working in arts and culture, education, sport, health, and community engagement, including colleagues from local, regional, and national government, as well as the voluntary and third sectors.
We are also keen to welcome young people and early-career professionals interested in creativity, collaboration, and place-making.
And everyone who’s been involved in Children’s Capital of Culture– from teachers to youth leaders, community organisers to young people themselves – are invited, to celebrate and reflect on this remarkable programme.
Access and additional information
Access information for all venues will be available in early 2026. Guide, access, assistant, emotional support, and hearing dogs are welcome.
For further information, please get in touch using our contact form.
This conference is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.