No fascists on the setlist! Photo: Rukon Miah.
Taking place on 17 October in Manchester at King’s Church on Sidney Street, the summit forms part of a series of national gatherings organised by the Together Alliance. The events are designed not as traditional conferences but as a summit to build power and plan action.
Representing the MU on a dedicated panel exploring the relationship between culture and social change will be North of England activist Sash Sengupta, who will join speakers from the arts, culture and trade union sectors for a discussion entitled “The Role of Arts and Culture in Fighting the Far Right.”
The session will examine the unique role that artists and cultural workers play in promoting inclusion, challenging prejudice and creating spaces for dialogue. Panellists will discuss how artistic expression is increasingly coming under pressure, the impact this can have on workers and audiences, and why a vibrant cultural sector remains essential in countering narratives of division and hate.
Discussion will also focus on the effect of economic pressures and funding cuts on the arts sector, and whether these challenges limit the ability of artists and cultural organisations to act as critical and progressive voices within society. Delegates will be encouraged to consider what support and alliances are needed to ensure arts and culture can continue to play a meaningful role in public life.
Workshops and networking
Following the panel, attendees will take part in facilitated workshops aimed at identifying practical actions, developing local campaigns, and building stronger links between cultural workers and wider community movements. The session is intended for anyone with an interest in arts and culture, including musicians, performers, audiences and creative workers from across the sector.
Joining Sash on the panel will be Lewis Nielson from Love Music Hate Racism, Karen Lockney from our sister union Equity, and poet Mukhtar Dar. Together, the speakers will explore how culture can help build solidarity and strengthen resistance to racism and the far right.
The MU has long recognised the important role that musicians play in bringing communities together and challenging discrimination.
Members interested in learning more about the summit can visit the Together Alliance North Summit information page. Standard tickets are £10.00 and £5.00 for students.
In case you missed it
MU members joined thousands in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right. It was the largest anti-far-right march in UK history.
Catch up on the event here, or visit our new MU Anti-Far Right Hub below for guidance, resources and research to help musicians challenge far-right narratives, counter misinformation and champion democratic, inclusive values across the music industry.
Explore the hub