The Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance conference will run from 7-9 October 2026 at Barnsley Civic

Our opening speakers and panel chairs will help us explore the ‘edges’ of creative health – how it relates to healthcare systems, planetary health, the economy, and shifting cultures.

The conference is an opportunity for the creative health sector to come together for nourishment, knowledge and support. The theme for 2026 is Common Ground and we will be learning from people in our own and related fields about how we can come together to effect deep and much-needed systemic change.

Our Arts, Displacement and Mental health Producer Maren Ellermann will be speaking on the Whose Culture, Whose Health Panel – Cultures on the Move on Friday 9 October.  On the same day, she will also be delivering a workshop: Hate and Toxicity: Practical Responses and Approaches, alongside Nzinga Mascall.

• Book your tickets here, including in-person and digital
• Apply for one of 10 bursary spaces (deadline 10am, Monday 7 September)
• Apply to volunteer at the conference (deadline 5pm, Monday 7 September)

Thahmina Begum, Artist-Researcher and Art Psychotherapist | Helen Chatterjee, Professor, Human & Ecological Health, UCL |  Prof Kevin Fenton, Regional Public Health Director, Department of Health and Social Care | Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England | Hollie Smith-Charles, Director, Creative Health & Change Lead, Arts Council England

For a full list of creative and inspiring panelists, artists, performers and workshops facilitators, see the programme here.