Inspired by our new exhibition BIG WOMEN, we’ve brought together some of the most influential and inspiring women from across the art and cultural sector (and beyond!) to share their professional and personal experiences of leadership in culture.

Experts in their field, breaking countless glass ceilings and creating positive change across our society, don’t miss this unique experience as we bring these female leaders together for one day at Firstsite.

Enjoy a day packed full of thought-provoking, motivational talks and innovative ideas. What makes a successful leader? How can we develop the sector to be more inclusive and encourage more diversity in our work and organisations?

There will also a chance for attendees to put their own questions to all speakers. 

Ticket price includes lunch and 5 panel discussions.

Download the full programme 

Sponsored spaces

Thanks to generous sponsorship by the Firstsite Collectors’ Group, University of Essex, Essex County Council and Emson Haig jewellers we have been able to provide 60 sponsored spaces to the conference. Applications for spaces are now closed. 

Watch the livestream

Can’t attend in person? Book onto our livestream event here

Speakers include:

Maria Balshaw CBE, Director of Tate

Louisa Buck, writer and broadcaster

Sonia Coode-Adams MBE, artist and Firstsite President

Prof. Pam Cox, Head of Sociology, University of Essex

Sadie Coles OBE, owner Sadie Coles HQ

Susannah Howard, Integrated Care Partnership Director, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex

Jahanara Loqueman, Bangladeshi Women’s Association Essex

Sarah Lucas, artist

Rosie Millard OBE, Chair of Trustees, Firstsite

Munira Mirza, Chief Exec for Civic Future and Former Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit (2019-2022)

Sally Shaw MBE, Firstsite Director

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor, Culture and the Creative Industries

Rachel Walton, co-founder African Families in the UK

View the full list here

Lunch is included in the ticket price, if you have any dietary requirements please let us know at the time of booking

Our talks and events help raise vital funds for Firstsite

By purchasing tickets to our conference you will help to keep our exhibitions free for everyone and fund community projects like our Holiday Fun programme which provides free art and movement activities and meals to families facing economic challenges