Calculating the Arts Dividend: Why Culture Matters with Darren Henley, LionHeart & Samira Ahmed

Experience an illuminating conversation about the profound impact of the arts on modern life as Samira Ahmed hosts Darren Henley and LionHeart to delve into The Arts Dividend – an essential exploration of why investment in culture matters so much.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, ranks amongst Britain’s most vital cultural leaders. He draws upon extensive experience in advocating for the arts across educational institutions, media platforms, and through governmental policy development. His remarkable journey from his formative years at Classic FM through to his current instrumental position in crafting Britain’s cultural blueprint demonstrates his unwavering commitment to proving that creative investment yields extraordinary dividends for both communities and individuals.

Rhael ‘LionHeart’ Cape Hon FRIBA is a Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Poet, Visionary Director and former BBC Radio London Presenter. Associate Artist of The Royal Albert Hall, Artist in Residence at 180 The Strand. Special participant at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Lesley Lokko OBE. An Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for his contribution to architecture. He was the first Poet in Residence at Saatchi Gallery. He’ll be returning to Saatchi to talk about the importance of culture and cultural investment. 

Hosting this conversation is Samira Ahmed, the celebrated broadcaster and journalist whose astute interviews and sophisticated cultural coverage have established her as one of Britain’s most authoritative commentators on the arts. Through her work presenting Radio 4’s Front Row and her unwavering commitment to defending creative freedom, Ahmed combines journalistic excellence with authentic enthusiasm for examining culture’s fundamental role in our collective existence.

This trio will dissect the persuasive research underpinning The Arts Dividend, demonstrating how creative investment transcends mere cultural enrichment to fuel innovation, strengthen community bonds, and generate tangible economic advantages. Their discussion promises to be indispensable for anyone convinced of culture’s capacity to revolutionise both individual experiences and broader societal structures.

Secure your place at this unmissable encounter between some of Britain’s most eloquent champions of the arts as they present the ultimate argument for why creative expression has never been more crucial for our future.