This year’s Canterbury Arts Conference (CArtsCon) was held from July 9 to 12 at the Canterbury Baptist Church. As sponsors, we were delighted to host nearly 30 presentations and speakers in a jam-packed event. Boasting everything from academic papers to improv sessions and even a fashion show, CArtsCon 2019 managed to enthrall and challenge its audience in equal measure.
The Lord Mayor opened the conference officially during the welcome reception on 9th July before presenting prizes to the winners of the Schools Art Competition. This year’s prize sponsors were Edge Framing, Cowling and Wilcox, and Warnborough College. Congratulations to the winners, which included a new category this year for children in Years 1 to 3.
The conference inadvertently took on themes each day: A hilarious undercurrent of domesticated animals permeated Day 1; Day 2 incorporated art as therapy throughout many sessions including an improv activity; Day 3 had a running theme of art in education in its different forms.
As always, the secret ingredient in the success of the conference was the camaraderie and genuine togetherness of the participants. Already in its sixth year, many returnees caught up to reminisce on old times and to make new friends. Those new to the conference could not help but be caught up in the atmosphere of sharing and friendship.
Valeriya Nikuta, a Russian artist based in Medway, attended the audience for the first time and exhibited her paintings. She said “I couldn’t have even imagined how wonderful it would be. I’ve met so many brilliant people from all over the world. I had great feedback and lots of new ideas!”.
The conference ended on a high with the Lord Mayor returning with the Lady Mayoress to present certificates of participation.
As the organiser of CArtsCon, we would like to thank all participants, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, the Canterbury City Council, the Canterbury Baptist Church, our French interns and the Warnborough team who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it all a success.
See the CArtsCon website for more photographs and information.
