The largest event in the country to get people together to discuss the arts kicks off in Norwich today. The Norfolk Arts Forum summer summit at the John Innes Institute brings together delegates from 350 organisations across the county to look at how more people can be encouraged to engage in the arts.

The largest event in the country to get people together to discuss the arts kicks off in Norwich today

The Norfolk Arts Forum summer summit at the John Innes Institute brings together delegates from 350 organisations across the county to look at how more people can be encouraged to engage in the arts.

Heading up the programme of hands-on workshops is a session on volunteering and young people, hosted by The Garage performing arts centre in Chapelfield North and V-Team, a youth volunteering scheme run by Norfolk and Norwich Voluntary Services.

Further workshops and keynote speeches, themed around arts volunteering, will also be held throughout the day, led by organisations including Creative Arts East, City College, Norwich, and Norfolk Arts Partnership, highlighting the rich mix of arts activity already on offer across the county.

Mari Martin, head of arts at Norfolk County Council, said: “We boast an incredibly vibrant and diverse arts sector in Norfolk, and the Norfolk Arts Forum plays a vital part in maintaining that 'buzz'.

“Not only does it help to raise the profile of the county's arts, it strengthens its infrastructure, shares valuable information and gives a powerful voice to organisations both small and large.”

Membership of the Norfolk Arts Forum is free and open to anyone with an interest in the arts.

For more information about conferences, future events and membership of the Norfolk Arts Forum visit www.norfolkartsforum.co.uk or call 01603 222941.