Cultural Capital Exchange Sparks Momentum for Burnley 2027

Curated by Creative Lancashire in association with Burnley Leisure and Culture and the University of Lancashire (Burnley Campus), the event was hosted by broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake. 

Bringing together leading voices from the creative, public, and cultural sectors, the symposium explored lessons from Bradford 2025, Leeds 2023, and Hull 2017, examining how culture can be a catalyst for regeneration, pride, and investment.

The day began with a call to the main auditorium by Hussnain Hanif, an award-winning Nasheed musician in the Sufi devotional tradition, accompanied by Daniel Bath on harmonium. 

This was followed by an inspiring welcome from Amanda Parker, HM Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, and Pete Massey of Arts Council England, setting the tone for a dynamic programme of discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. 

Highlights included conversations with Burnley artist Aitor Throup, whose world-class “From the Moor” 22-year retrospective exhibition formed part of the 2025 British Textile Biennial, and Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford UK City of Culture 2025, who discussed how creativity and identity can drive transformation on a national stage.

Breakout sessions such as Culture in Context, Culture – What Is It Good For?, and Culture Clash brought together cultural leaders, young creatives, and sector experts to co-create ideas that will help shape the Year of Culture’s legacy. 

The closing panel, Culture in Place, captured the collective energy of the day, emphasising collaboration, inclusion, and ambition as the guiding principles for Burnley’s cultural future.

Ed Matthews-Gentle, Strategic Lead, Creative Lancashire (Lancashire County Council), said:

“We’re grateful to all the speakers, supporters and participants for their contributions towards making the day a huge success. It was also important as a place of convening for the sector in Lancashire and as place to discuss the important issues for the sector.  We rarely come together as a cultural sector within the county, and an event such as this is hugely key in setting the tone not only for Burnley’s ambition for 2027 but also for supporting Lancashire’s wider cultural vision over the next decade.”

Charlotte Steels, Head of Culture at Burnley Leisure & Culture, added:

“We’re asking ‘Why Not Burnley?’ to challenge perceptions and build local pride. The Cultural Capital Exchange Symposium has been a significant step in proving what we can achieve. Through the catalyst of cultural development, we can create a new story for the borough, one that redefines it as a place of opportunity. There’s a growing movement of cultural collaboration, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes Burnley, not just in 2027, but in the years beyond.”

With bold ideas, new partnerships, and a shared sense of purpose, the Cultural Capital Exchange has firmly set the course for Burnley 2027 — a celebration of culture that promises to reimagine the borough’s identity and its place in the world.

For more information about Burnley 2027, please contact Charlotte Steels, Head of Culture, at csteels@blcgroup.co.uk