New Horizons is back for 2026. Our creative networking sessions enable the dissemination of training and knowledge sharing between artists and arts organisations within Derbyshire. The 2026 programme has themes that are due to bring wonderful conversations, collaborations and ideas for new approaches in professional practice for Arts Derbyshire members.
New Horizons 30th January 2026
An Environmental Manifesto:
Exploring approaches to environmental sustainability and regenerative practices for artists, creatives and arts organisations in Derbyshire
A creative networking, training and sharing social for Arts Derbyshire members
The aim of this event is to gain inspiration from artists and creatives who have embedded sustainability into their own practice or the practices of their organisation. It is also about what support and frameworks are needed so that we can all take meaningful action to reduce our impact on the environment, whilst developing long lasting, regenerative practices. Join us for an earthy exchange of ideas and methodologies, from which we hope that positive change in the way we approach our work will come.
Panel: Hannah Bowdler (Junction Arts), Lucy Bird (NatureDance) and Anna Roebuck (Artist based at The Making House in Burton on Trent), chaired by Clare Limb (Creative Consultant).
📅 Friday 30 January
⏰ 11am – 2pm
👛 Free
📌 The LEVEL Centre, Old Station Close, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2EL
Theme: CREATIVE HEALTH
20 MARCH 2026, EREWASH
New Horizons 20th March 2026
Up next on the programme, we will be heading to Ilkeston for a special New Horizons session on Creative Health and Creatives in Place.
Don’t miss out, and we’ll see you there! 👀
📅 Monday 20 March
⏰ 10am – 1pm
👛 Free
📌 Our Crafty Place CIC, Ilkeston, DE7 4AS
🔗 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/arts-derbyshire/t-jxzprqm
Theme: DIGITAL ART & AI
15 MAY 2026, DOE LEA
New Horizons 15th May 2026
Arts Derbyshire is delighted to present New Horizons: Digital Art & AI, a thought‑provoking panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity in Derbyshire and beyond. Chaired by digital arts specialist John Whall, the event will bring together artists, organisations, and audiences to consider both the opportunities and challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology.
The session will open with key themes that frame the debate: the creative possibilities of AI, from new forms of artistic expression to collaborative practice and audience engagement; the risks and ethical dilemmas, including copyright, authenticity, and bias; and the wider sector impact, as organisations adapt policies and governance to embrace innovation responsibly.
With contributions from an expert panel, the discussion will be moderated to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and relevance for both practitioners and the wider public. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how resilience and legacy might be built in a digitally augmented arts landscape, balancing optimism with caution.
By the end of the event, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of AI’s role in digital art, practical considerations for their own work, and a sense of both the promise and responsibility that AI brings to the cultural sector.
Join us as Arts Derbyshire continues to champion creativity, innovation, and resilience across our region.
📅 Thursday 15 May
⏰ 10am – 1pm
👛 Free
📌 Doe Lea Centre
🔗 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/arts-derbyshire/t-aavyjay
For our final New Horizons event of 2026, we present New Horizons: The Future of Derbyshire’s Small Music Venues, a vital conversation exploring the opportunities and challenges facing small live venues across our county. Hosted at the historic George Hotel in Hayfield, this panel discussion will be led by venue producer and owner Jocelyne Underwood, who brings first‑hand insight into the realities of sustaining live music spaces in today’s cultural landscape.
The session will examine the unique role these venues play in nurturing local talent, building community, and enriching Derbyshire’s cultural identity. At the same time, it will address the pressing challenges they face: rising costs, changing audience behaviours, licensing and compliance pressures, and the need to adapt to digital innovation.
Panellists will share practical strategies for resilience, from diversifying programming and strengthening partnerships to embedding inclusivity and sustainability in venue practice. The discussion will balance optimism with realism, highlighting both the risks and the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
The audience will leave with a clearer understanding of how small venues can thrive, what support structures are needed, and how artists, audiences, and organisations can collaborate to ensure a vibrant future for live music in Derbyshire.
Join us as Arts Derbyshire continues to champion creativity, resilience, and community through the New Horizons series.
📅 Friday 16 October
⏰ 10am – 1pm
👛 Free
📌 The George Hotel, Hayfield
🔗 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/arts-derbyshire/t-vxvdjjr
Arts Derbyshire Annual General Meeting 2025 – 2026
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/arts-derbyshire/t-plqvojy, Online
The Annual General Meeting for Arts Derbyshire CIO will take place online. Agenda, minutes and details on how to join the meeting will be shared prior to the meeting. Email admin@artsderbyshire.org.uk with any enquiries you may have.
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