Castleford focus at World Culture Summit

The Castleford Project success story will reach a worldwide audience at an international event celebrating best practice through art and culture in regeneration.

The World Culture Summit takes place in Gateshead, Newcastle from June 14 -18. Hosted by Arts Council England it welcomes delegates from 50 countries and speakers from 20.

The Castleford Project will feature in a workshop session on Thursday June 15 exploring the role of the media as a partner in cultural regeneration. TV Producer and Castleford Project Steering Group member, David Barrie will present information to delegates.

Key themes at this third international summit are physical, economic and social regeneration. The event will be opened by Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell and speakers include Lord David Puttnam CBE.

David said: "I'm delighted to have been invited to spread the word about what is being achieved in Castleford at such a prestigious event. International interest has been developing for some time now because of the way in which the town, its people and public organisations have come together to make Castleford a better, more prosperous place."

The Castleford Project is a collaboration between Wakefield Council, Channel 4, regeneration agencies and the local community to achieve 11 improvement schemes. The process is being filmed for Channel 4 by Talkback TV for a major series presented by Kevin McCloud of Channel 4's 'Grand Designs'.

Arts Council England is a partner in The Castleford Project and is funding significant international artists to work with the town to create new and exciting work. They are also supporting collaborations between artists and architects and artists and the local community, to ensure that art and artists are an important part of Castleford's regeneration.

For more information please contact Carmel O'Toole on 07838 368813 cotoole@channel.co.uk or visit www.channel4.com/castleford.