Accessibility in Creative Spaces:  A Seminal Gathering followed by a Spectacular #RaisingTheRoof Concert sets the Scene at Iconic St George's Hall, Liverpool

Accessibility in Creative Spaces: A Seminal Gathering followed by a Spectacular #RaisingTheRoof Concert sets the Scene at Iconic St George's Hall, Liverpool

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Liverpool, November 2018. Opening Up The Creative Space seminar and Raising The Roof concert were two seminal events held at the iconic St George’s Hall in Liverpool on November 1st 2018. Ground-breaking in theme, they once again shone a spotlight on this world-heritage-site as a leader in #Accessibility in #Spaces.


The events brought together thought-leadership and participants from across culture, arts and architectural fields. Showcasing work and with representatives from architects, city planners, NGOs, entrepreneurs, private and public businesses to artistes, performers and individuals who face barriers to access space, they celebrated the artistic excellence which exists and is just waiting in the wings for a seat at the table.

The host and organiser was Universal Inclusion, an organisation led by Jacqueline Winstanley BSc Hons, who is leading the way in making the world a much more accessible place. As last year, this year’s production was also held in partnership with the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC*) and Liverpool City Council in support of the ICCC International Student Design Competition Fellowships. Both events were supported by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Courage and Sparkle, Disability Today, Disability Rights UK, Evermore Wellbeing, Gooseberry Pink, Jigsaw Medical, LMA Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, Market Accents, Merseyside Woman of the Year (MWOTY), Pink Shoe Club, Soundtrack Recording Studios and St George’s Hall.

The seminar Opening up the Creative Space established the conversation for the day. As Jacqueline said when opening the day’s proceedings, “the creative space can engage with everyone, young and old. And yet there is an inequality of access to this space, across the creative and cultural spectrum. Today’s events set in motion a Paradigm Shift that gives rise to accessibility to spaces that are not constrained by traditional responses to the unique individuality of each and every one of us...and that recognise the direct correlation between opening up the creative space and its impact on health and wellbeing, inclusive economic growth and GDP.”

The two seminar panels debated barriers in creating inclusive cities and opportunities. While the first panel focussed on the build environment, the second panel discussed the creative field. Both sessions highlighted challenges and personal experiences, and demonstrated how opening up the creative space enables us to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

The day’s events were aligned with and fully supported the UN SDGs, fostering the ICCC program: “Imagining the Possible”. Panel speakers included Ade Adepitan MBE, Elle Exxe, Ayesha Gavin, James Holt, Grant Logan, Matthew Wadsworth, Jacqueline Winstanley Bsc Hons, Professor Dianne Davis, John Kiehl, Laura Draper. The moderator was Helene Martin Gee, while Seminar MC was Robert Winstanley.

The seminar was followed by a VIP reception with The Alder Hey Staff Choir by Bernie Whelan, where guests had the opportunity to mix with the amazing international talent, speakers, dignitaries and guests before settling down for another stunning concert, which brought these concepts to life.

Present for the evening concert were Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Communities & Partnerships Liverpool City Council; Professor Diane Davies, Founder of ICCC and the International Student Design Competition; Nancy Chen Lady Chairman of SEE YEP Chinese Association; Harry Chen Finance Manager SEE YEP Chinese Association and Linda van Nooijn Chairman of Pagoda Arts.

Click the image below to view a gallery of moments from the day's events.

Opening Up Creative Spaces and Raising The Roof 2018The concert featured awards and star performances of music and singing from internationally renowned entertainers: The MC was Ade Adepitan MBE, well-known Paralympian, TV broadcaster, journalist and author and he introduced spectacular entertainment from Asa Murphy and his Big Band, Jazz Vocalist ‘King of Swing’; the internationally-acclaimed theorbo and lute player Matthew Wadsworth, Elle Exxe, singer-songwriter who won the Best Female Solo Artist at the Unsigned Music Awards in 2016, the award-winning Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra and Dancers who have performed worldwide and who are the first and largest youth orchestra in Europe, James Holt, a solo artist from Bolton and is receiving attention and praise from music industry giants and Napua Davoy, a most extraordinary musician and song stylist, with the Liverpool Media Academy (LMA) performers.

In her address, Cllr Liz Parsons acknowledged the thought leadership debated in the afternoon and the role of Liverpool City Council in moving towards achieving this accessibility to spaces.

Also present was Professor Dianne Davis, Founder of ICCC and of the International Student Design Competition which, since its inception in 1994, has reached over 9000 student architects in over 60 countries. The competition focusses on the implications of the growing numbers of older people - the ‘age quake’. It encourages young architects to work with older people to find innovative solutions which counter isolation, support intergenerational contact and maintain health and well being. Winners of the competition present their ideas at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and are able to join a Fellowship programme.

The programme is designed to enable young architects to continue to develop their ideas through continued research, study and travel. Most importantly they are able to work with mentors to begin to develop the leadership skills which will enable them to play a significant part in the design of future age -friendly cities and communities. The Liverpool ‘Raising the Roof’ concert is part of the activities to raise awareness and funds for the Fellowship programme.

Professor Davis presented two exemplary individuals with the ICCC Caring Citizen of the Humanities awards: Dr Roderick Hackney, a world-renowned architect, leader and influencer, and Gail Jones, entrepreneur and global leader in diversity and inclusion for the contributions they have made, and continue to make.

The concert also included footage showing the work of the ICCC International Architectural Student Design Competition Winners and Fellows.

Commenting on the day, Jacqueline said, “I am delighted with the outcomes from the panel sessions and know that we have established new grounds with our debates. The conversation has gone beyond the usual debating platform, reaching a crescendo during the VIP drinks reception and the spectacular concert. The vision behind the concert was to have the audience transfixed by the excellence of the performers, be entertained and also reflect on what can be achieved when those who face barriers are given opportunities.”

She continued, “We now need to take the outcomes and insights from the day to develop recommendations which will be put forward to leaders across business, government, society and the arts. This is our next step in creating a Paradigm Shift which starts to see people who face barriers, not as burdens, but as contributing citizens who bring a new and exciting presence to the table. This is the start of a journey based on collaboration. We have come together in one voice and it will lead to a commitment towards innovation within the creation of inclusive cities to help achieve the 2020 Agenda within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

Universal Inclusion brought together a talented group to assist. This included Executive Producer Jacqueline Winstanley, Founder and CEO of Universal Inclusion; Musical Director John Kiehl, co-founder of Soundtrack Recording Studios; Stage Manager Ellen Kerr from Merseyside Woman of the Year (MWOTY) and Marketing and Communications Director Noreen Cesareo from Market Accents. They were supported by Mike Cash; Professor Dianne Davis; Julie Fernandez; Christine Gong, Co-Founder, Chinese Cultural and Art International Organization; Christoff Karla; Professor Gisela Loehlein, ICCC Vice President for Student Design Competition; Peter Mathius; Emanuel ‘Manny’ Perlman, Alan Smith, Tony Thompson, Dave Mort from Think Print and Dan White.

Ends

*The ICCC acts as a bridge, linking government, civil society organizations, the private sector, universities and the United Nations in enhancing new ways of viewing an integrated society for all ages. These events are also aligned to and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They foster the ICCC program: “Imagining the Possible”.http://international-iccc.org/raising-the-roof-connecting-the-generations-in-support-of-the-united-nations-sustainable-development-goals-with-a-musical-event/

 

Notes to Editor

About Universal Inclusion

Universal Inclusion Logowww.universalinclusion.co.uk

Universal Inclusion leads the way in making the world a much more accessible place, one where everyone feels included. Their ethos reflects the many ways a society can collectively and individually change not only their own, but other people's lives, for the better - often by making simple changes to the way we do things. They inspire creativity, challenge perception and facilitate change. Their credentials speak for themselves and the results are nationally acclaimed. Universal Inclusion was founded by Jacqueline Winstanley Bsc Hons, global disruptor, Author and Public Speaker and it is rooted in her deeply-held and proven conviction to do what is possible to increase the equality of access to life’s opportunities for everyone.

 

ICCC logoAbout The International Council for Caring Communities - ICCC

www.international-iccc.org

ICCC was founded in 1993 to stimulate and identify creative strategies and innovative solutions to address global longevity challenges and opportunities. Through educational programs, conferences, technical support, international student architectural competitions and Windsor Consultation, ICCC promotes a “Society for All Generations.” ICCC is a not-for-profit organization that has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.  ICCC is mainstreaming the impact of the new digital era on the 21st century growing “Agequake.”   

 

 

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Meet the Award Winners: Dr Roderick Hackney

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Rod hackney

2018 ICCC Caring Citizen of the Humanities Award
Dr Roderick Hackney, Architect, Kansara Hackney

Rod is a professional architect, who received his architects’ license in 1969, whilst working with Arne Jacobsen in Copenhagen. Earlier he had worked with both the Libyan Government in Tripoli, and Hart Massey in Ottawa. His most prestigious projects with these other architects includes the Expo ‘67 railway stations in Montreal, the American Express Bank in Copenhagen and the Kuwait Central Bank in Kuwait City.

According to The Times newspaper in London, he was the first ‘Community Architect’ in the U.K. with his ‘pioneering architect’ (HRH, the Prince of Wales words) scheme at Black Road in Macclesfield. Since establishing his own architect’s office in 1971 he expanded to offices parts of England, Scotland, Ireland, United Arab Emirates and the United States. With Tia Kansara, he established the international design firm, Kansara Hackney Ltd in 2009, which concentrates on urbanism and architecture.

He is a past President of the International Union of Architects, (France), the Royal Institute of British Architects (London), and the Snowdonia National Park Society (Wales).  Rod, as well as designing hospices, offices and houses for the private sector, is employed on various initiatives internationally, as a facilitator/enabler in projects linking those in need, such as community groups, to those who provide, such as private financiers or governmental departments.

He is a regular contributor to radio and T.V. programmes and a keen debater, including a panelist on European talk shows such as Any Questions on BBC Radio; Question Time, BBC T.V; Oxford Union debater; Eton College debater. Rod has been featured in a number of Media documentaries on his work, such as the BBC Omnibus program and R.A.I, Italy, called the ‘The Hackney Way’.

He represented the United Nations on a number of occasions, including Nairobi Habitat initiatives, the best practices in Architecture in Dubai, and Shelter for the Elderly, New York. He is frequently invited to put the case for more community involvement in housing at a number of conferences and symposia including official visits sponsored by the British Council to Russia, India and Sri Lanka. Rod also communicates through theatre and music. The Musical Play, “Good Golly, Miss Molly” depicted his Hawes Street community architecture scheme in Stoke-on-Trent in England, ran in London’s West End, where it played to full houses between 1991 and 1992.

Rod is also an artist (painting and sculpture) and a writer. His autobiography, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, reaching No.1 in one of Britain’s retail bookshops in 1989, will be re-issued by Routledge in 2014. He regularly chairs or partakes in international design competitions, and has working experience in the Far East, the Middle East, Europe and the America’s. His portrait, photographed in 2013, is exhibited at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, where Rod serves as a ‘Senior Conservation Architect’ on one of the RIBA committees

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Meet the Award Winners: Gail Jones

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Gail Jones

2018 ICCC Caring Citizen of the Humanities Award:

Gail Jones, Joint Managing Director, UKFast

Gail Jones is the co-founder and managing director of cloud hosting and infrastructure provider UKFast. The UK-based technology brand provides hosting and colocation solutions for both the private and public sector - keeping some of the UK’s busiest airport check-in desks running, ensuring NHS paramedics have access to the training they need on the go, and keeping some of the world’s biggest brands online.

Since 1999, Gail has been at the helm of the firm, along with husband Lawrence, driving its journey from a two-man team, through 18 years of organic growth to the £47 million turnover firm it is today. Whilst the business prides itself on being UK-based, Gail’s focus on helping businesses to grow has seen organisations from all over the world thrive.

Gail’s focus is centred on innovation and efficiency, spearheading the operations side of running UKFast. Working closely with UKFast’s research and development team, Gail steers the businesses in-house innovation. The RnD team build all internal software and databases, enabling UKFast to react to market shifts and client demand quickly and efficiently, without the need for third parties. This level of innovation has enabled the creation of UKFast’s signature eCloud cloud hosting portfolio, which now accounts for 43% of the firm’s total revenue.

In UKFast, Gail has created an inherently inclusive environment in UKFast. The business recruits based upon personality and attitude, rather than background, academic success or experience level. This opens opportunities to a significantly broader range of people. However, you can’t manage what you don’t measure which is why UKFast has introduced a series of metrics to track inclusivity and diversity within the business and recruitment process.

As part of this, UKFast strives to open up the technology industry as a viable career for people of all backgrounds and genders. The firm works with more than 60,000 young people, across 60 schools and universities in Greater Manchester to improve tech education and promote careers in technology. This drive has seen the creation of UKFast’s apprenticeship scheme - apprentices now account for 75 members of the businesses’ team. UKFast has also been approved by the government to open a new high school in partnership with The Dean Trust. The school will combine digital skills learning with traditional education and is set to open within the next two years. Bridging the skills gap and gender gap in technology is of particular interest to Gail.

As well as designing, funding and installing Raspberry Pi café tech suites in schools and youth centres in Greater Manchester, UKFast has also sponsored these suites in South Africa and Malawi. Not only do these tech suites act as community centres, they also provide upskilling opportunities for the community and a much-needed internet connection. Members of the UKFast team have been actively involved in these projects, including travelling out to Malawi to offer training and help set up the centres.

Gail has driven measures across UKFast to improve the lives of the business’ team, including introducing an exemplary maternity package

This year, Gail launched the UKFast Community and Education Awards to recognise the work that young people across Greater Manchester who help those around them. Awards celebrated young carers, volunteers, fundraisers and entrepreneurship, as well as rewarding the schools and outstanding teachers driving exemplary standards.

UKFast is consistently recognised for its commitment to creating a healthy workplace for its team. In 2017, UKFast was named the 5th Best Workplace in the UK, the top in Manchester, by both The Sunday Times Best Companies and Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces. The listings consistently recognise UKFast as a ‘fun and friendly’ workplace and a family-friendly workplace.

UKFast has also been recognised as one of the Financial Times 1000 Fastest Growing Businesses in Europe as well as winning a UK Cloud Award and recognition for its apprenticeships scheme. Gail was this year nominated as one of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Tech.

 

 

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Meet Noreen Cesareo

Meet Noreen Cesareo

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Noreen Cesareo MA BA, is the founder and principal of Market Accents.

A strategist, thought leader, author, lecturer and marketing communications professional, Noreen is passionate about new technologies and how they enable and support markets, customer experiences and communications. She is also passionate about education for girls, and women’s economic empowerment.

Through Market Accents, she works with corporates and businesses to help them find and own their unique voice in their chosen markets by developing and implementing smart marketing and communications delivered through effective, integrated marketing and communication programmes and consultancy.

Noreen brings a wealth of very sound strategic and practical commercial experience and expertise. Her background in journalism and communications are key to her keen understanding of markets and media. She is also an experienced veteran in market mapping, research, customer insights and experiences; her strengths include strategic direction and proposition development. She is a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta and also delivers training and webinars in social media training, marketing and communications.

In recent years, she has taken on trusteeships and non-executive directorships to provide guidance and expertise.

She is on the Advisory Board of a Fintech start-up and also a Trustee for the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund (CGEF) and a director of the Malta Business Network (MBN).

She serves as a marketing and trade lead on the first ever UK Economic Blueprint for SMEs and women-owned businesses. In addition, she is a board member of the All Parliamentary Party Group (AAPG) for Women and Enterprise looking at international trade and connections. She is an Ambassador for various groups such as the Pink Shoe Club, and a Trade Specialist and Core Team member within (WEI) Women’s Economic Imperative, the global, collaborative initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment. In 2016, she was a Judge in the UNCTAD Empretec Women in Business Awards 2016.

Noreen participate in global meetings to further women's economic empowerment.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Twitter: @MarketAccents
Facebook: @MarketAccents
LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/noreencesareo

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The Intrinsic link between the Built Environment and the Creative Space

The Intrinsic link between the Built Environment and the Creative Space

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to increasing equality of access to life’s opportunities

Weekends are always a time for reflection, and this weekend was no exception as I planned the week ahead. And what a week to look forward to!

I am blessed to have been introduced to - and worked with - a team that is certainly opening up the creative space.

Our event in Liverpool on November 1st continues the conversation on the intrinsic relationship between policy makers, architects, city planners and individuals who wish to experience this magical space, particularly in relation to the barriers people may face when doing so .

We have brought together some of the most influential change-makers in this arena. The one thing that separates them from everyone else is their ability - not to just talk about creating change, but to actually get out there and bring about sustainable change.

Our Seminar Panels, moderated by leading experts in this field, will look at the Built Environment and the Creative Environment, and the role of future architectural leader. They will introduce delegates to creative excellence from artists and organisations that work tirelessly to remove barriers to a presence in this space, whatever that looks like in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We will hear from Professor Dianne Davis, leading academic, Founder of ICCC International Student Design Competition and ICCC International Fellows; Elle Exxe, incredible female artiste; Equality Champion Napua Davoy, singer, song and musical writer; Ade Adepitan MBE, well known broadcaster, presenter and author; Grant Logan, Founder of Disability Today; James Holt, a talented singer and songwriter; Mathew Wadsworth, a classically-trained lutenist; Laura Draper, designer and ethical entrepreneur; and Ayesha Gavin, an award-winning entrepreneur.

Question and Answer sessions provide both speakers and delegates with real-time input, and an opportunity to debate experiences and put forward proposals for change.

As Founder and CEO of Universal Inclusion, I will introduce a Blueprint for Change. This will bring about the Paradigm Shift needed to open up the Creative Space and take us on the next stage of this ground-breaking journey.

Our event culminates unsurprisingly in the true spirit and essence of change makers - not just talking about it but doing it!  “Raising the Roof “ is a spectacular fundraising concert in aid of the ICCC International Architecture Students Design Competition Fellows.

This International Concert showcases Diversity within Culture. Our performer-delegates, who were introduced earlier in the day, take to the stage. They are joined by Asa Murphyand his 16 piece swing Big Band, Bernie Whelan and her Alder Hey Staff Choir, the internationally acclaimed Chinese Pagoda Arts Ensemble and Dancing Group, all orchestrated by our MC Ade Adepitan MBE.

And we will be honouring two individuals with the ICCC Caring Citizen Awards.

If you are committed to increasing equality of access to life’s opportunities, then you will be met with the warmest of welcomes, and a real opportunity to take part in and influence this journey going forward. It really will be a celebration of the true essence of Humanity.

http://www.universalinclusion.co.uk/news/articles/join-us-to-discuss-opening-up-the-creative-space

#RTR2018 #raisingtheroof2018 #ICCC #diversity #inclusion #culture #disability #art #citizenoftheworld #Liverpool #StGeorgesHall

#CourageandSparkle #DisabilityToday #EvermoreWellbeing #Gooseberry Pink #JigsawMedical #LMALiverpool #MerseysideWomanoftheYear #MWOTY #PinkShoeClub

 

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