Creative conversations focus on ‘a woman’s place’

The role of women in architecture, place making and the urban environment will be the theme of the next 'Conversations in Creativity' event.

The event will take place between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday 14 July, at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.

The theme of 'A Woman's Place' was in part inspired by award-winning architect Dame Zaha Hadid, who passed away in March this year.

Her ground breaking buildings have been commissioned around the world and she was the first woman to achieve the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) gold medal.

The sweeping fluid designs of the Aquatic Centre for the London 2012 Olympics, the Broad Art Museum in the US and the Guangzhou Opera House in China are among the best-known examples of her work.

Hadid helped to promote the important role women play in urban design, architecture and place making around the world, which is often overlooked in this male-dominated sector.

This discussion, taking place in Blackburn, is the latest in a series of Conversations in Creativity events. It will include artist duo Idle Women, a touring arts centre which navigates the canal waterways providing activities and art workshops for women, and artist Hayley Welsh, lead artist and curator of Blackburn Open Walls.

Conversations in Creativity sessions are organised by Creative Lancashire, a service provided by Lancashire County Council. They support creative and digital businesses and work with all sectors to realise creative potential.

Ed Matthews-Gentle from Creative Lancashire said: "Women frequently play a crucial role in urban architecture, design and place making.

"Architecture, built environment and placemaking are male-dominated fields, but work by prominent artists such as Zaha Hadid, landscape architect Martha Shwartz and Suzanne Lacy – artist and social activist who is now working locally in Pendle, are extremely important and will be discussed at the event.

"They have created some amazing, iconic designs and their work gives us a great example of the contribution women make to buildings and public places, and they have an influence on how our towns and cities look and feel.

"The event will be of interest to anyone building a career as a place maker, urban designer or architect."

Places are limited, tickets for the event are available at: http://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Blackburn/Blackburn-Museum–And–Art-Gallery/Conversations-in-Creativity-A-Woman8217s-Place/12780814/

The Conversations in Creativity series is organised by Creative Lancashire and has included some of the country's leading creatives including Simon Aldred from Cherry Ghost, Nick Park, Jeanette Winterson, Lemn Sissay and Wayne Hemingway MBE.

Creative Lancashire is a service provided by Lancashire County Council through its economic development company – Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL).

For more information about their work, visit www.creativelancashire.org. You can follow them on twitter – @CreativeLancs.