The theme for the conference seems timely and important, wherever you are in the world. As we heard
of the ambitious and exciting plans for the West Kowloon Cultural District and the challenge of how arts organisations might shape and enrich the experience of life in the city for all residents, I was reminded of debates closer to home. There are ongoing conversations in Manchester about how, in the context of devolution, culture might shape the liveable city and how cultural organisations and activity of all shapes and sizes might be valued and play its part in people's broader lives.