The Cumnock Tryst to host the latest Genesis Conversation exploring rural regeneration
17 September 2024
In collaboration with the Genesis Foundation and Boswell Book Festival, The Cumnock Tryst will host the latest Genesis Conversation exploring the role the arts can play in rural regeneration.
Founded by composer and longtime Genesis Foundation collaborator Sir James MacMillan CBE, The Cumnock Tryst is an annual music festival which takes place at the beginning of October in Cumnock, Scotland, and draws in crowds from across the country to enjoy a range of classical experiences.
The Cumnock Hour: Genesis Conversations will mark the festival’s tenth anniversary and will address key issues related to the cultural sector, aiming to raise awareness of the role arts can play in revitalizing rural areas.
The discussion will be chaired by journalist Iain Macwhirter with the panel comprising James Knox (Chairman, Boswell Book Festival), John McAslan (Architect), Alistair Moffat (Writer and journalist), Andrew O’Hagan (Writer), Thursa Sanderson OBE (Chief Executive, Drake Music Scotland) and Gillian Walker (Composer).
There are distinct challenges in rural regeneration that differ from urban centres, such as splintered communities, scattered populations, hidden poverty, limited infrastructure, and a lack of cultural confidence. Achieving community pride in the wake of industrial and economic decline, attracting locals to arts events, and integrating schools and education leaders into joint strategies are also significant hurdles which the panel will discuss.
The Cumnock Hour: Genesis Conversations will take place at the Dumfries Arms Hotel in Cumnock on Friday 4 October at 3pm.
Tickets are priced. A film of the talk will be available for free online after the event.
