Challenging Austerity: The Role of Philanthropy in Driving Civic Identity

On Monday 29 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond, announced that the era of austerity across the UK following many years of budget deficit and the financial crisis of 2007 was coming to an end. However, his speech came with a major caveat; growing uncertainty about the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on the country, should negotiations with Brussels collapse, could undermine Mr Hammond’s plans to draw a line under austerity.

The North East – and particularly Teesside – has felt and continues to feel, the effects of these austerity measures, with job losses and funding cuts juxtaposed against a rising cost of living. So much so, huge financial challenges face the public sector, with local government leaders having to find new models of outsourcing and taking a growing interest in the role charitable giving and philanthropy can play in supporting valuable services, while striving to reinvent their civic identity.

This important topic will be discussed at a free event Challenging Austerity: The Role of Philanthropy in Driving Civic Identity on 16th November at The Curve, Middlesbrough. The event will see Rhodri Davies – an expert on civic philanthropy – facilitate the conversation about how towns and cities are striving to reinvent their identity in the wake of austerity. With philanthropy often playing a crucial role in their history, yet being notably absent from their future. Mr Davis will question can our local government leaders remedy this and create a 21st century version of civic philanthropy that ensures our towns and cities across the North East are ready for the challenges and opportunities of the coming years?

The event is part of the GeNErosity Festival of Philanthropy and Giving a three week celebration of the past, present and future of philanthropy currently taking place across the North East and delivered by Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and Newcastle University. The festival continues across the region with a number of free-to-attend events and community-led events until Tuesday 27th November, which coincides with the international awareness day of #GivingTuesday.

Book your free ticket now at: https://www.generosityfestival.co.uk/festival/giving-city-role-philanthropy-driving-civic-identity-rhodri-davies

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Community Foundation .