SEAScape at SO Festival 2025
Reimagining Coastal Culture Conference
11-13 June 20025 | The Embassy Theatre, Grand Parade, Skegness PE25 2UG
SEAScape Returns to Skegness
In 2025, at Magna Vitae’s invitation and to celebrate the opening of the Culture House, and SO Festival, the SEAScape Conference returned to Skegness. Originally held in 2009 as part of the EU-funded Black/North SEAS project, the event revisited themes of international cultural exchange, local engagement, and coastal regeneration.
The Black/North SEAS project (2008–2010), led by Intercult Productions in Sweden, brought together 20 partners and €4 million in funding to produce 40+ works across Europe. Artists were paired and sent to unfamiliar coastal towns to create site-specific works inspired by local stories. These were later toured across participating cities, often in unconventional venues.
SEAS also included the “CityScape” conference series, renamed SEAScape in Skegness, which brought together artists, educators, and community leaders to discuss cultural regeneration.
Speaker list and bios, the conference timetable, videos of each session and downloadable PDFs of the presentations are available below.
16 years ago
• The UK was still a Member State of the European Union
• Turkey was a prominent candidate country for the same EU
• Bulgaria and Romania had joined the EU less than 2 years before
• Croatia was on its way to membership. It happened 3 years later
• Ukraine was trying to navigate its independence as a sovereign nation.
• Coastal towns in the North and Black Seas regions were attempting to re-invent their economies, their attractions and their ports, to bring the sea closer to the city.
• Environmental research warned that urgent action was necessary to protect the sea from pollution and further warming
• We were searching for an appropriate cultural response.
16 years later
• The UK chose a path away from EU collaboration, still finding its way.
• Turkey has moved further away from European influence and cooperation.
• Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia have all, in some ways, prospered from EU integration
• Ukraine has been attacked and is at war with Russia, its independence threatened.
• Coastal towns in the North and Black Seas have found new cultural approaches to re-invent their seascape. Skegness is one of them, the SO Festival a brilliant legacy.
• Environmental research still warns that urgent action is necessary to protect the sea from pollution and further warming.
• We are still looking for an appropriate cultural response
SEAScape 2025
SEAScape 2025 invited past participants and local partners to reflect on the project’s legacy and future. With a new program planned for 2026–2027 in England, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden, the initiative aimed to explore how international culture could foster local engagement and resilience in the face of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The event explored local challenges and their global parallels, drawing insights from the SEAS project (2004–2010), which revealed that European coastal towns often shared stronger cultural ties with each other than with inland cities in their own nations.
Through inter-local dialogue, artists, policymakers, and communities exchanged experiences across borders, enriching creative and civic practices. Moderators Chris Torch and Adam Jeanes guided discussions between UK-based and international speakers, highlighting the impact of cross-cultural collaboration.
Local creatives opened the event with an Open Space session, identifying key issues that shaped the broader conference dialogue.
Introducing the Speakers
We are proud to present a distinguished group of international arts professionals who will be joining us in Skegness for the SEAScape Conference at SO Festival 2025. These accomplished individuals bring extensive experience in developing and delivering ambitious creative projects across Europe. Their contributions will offer valuable perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue among artists, producers, and creative practitioners along the Lincolnshire coast.
Scroll down to read about each speaker or click on the name of the speaker to be taken to their bio.
Conference Programme
Wednesday 11 June
Watch the sessions below
Playlist
1 Videos
0:16
Wednesday 11 June
14:00 James Brindle (Magna Vitae) introduces the day and sets the stage
Looking back: A summary of SEAS in 2004-2010 (Adam Jeanes and Chris Torch)
• Taking inspiration from the place and the methodology of research and development of projects from coastal life. Site-related. “Dates”.
• The original needs analysis at the root of the SEAS concept.
• Inter//Local
• Short testimonies from others who were there
15:00 – 15:15 Break
15:15 Needs analysis with Lincolnshire (SEADS)
Open Space, coordinated by Nicki Jarvis with local/regional associations and arrangers, e.g. the Culture House, Coastal Cultural Network and others.
• Participants are invited to propose a topic for discussion in smaller groups which they will chair.
• We hope we can have two rounds of discussions lasting 25 mins each
• A written note of the discussion will need to be made and then the content of the discussion can be fed into the conference sessions on the following day.
16:30 Feedback
There will be brief verbal feedback from the discussion groups and Chris Torch and Adam Jeanes will highlight the main themes.
17:00 Event Close
Thursday 12 June
Watch the conference, split by session
Playlist
5 Videos
0:16
0:16
Thursday 12 June
9:30 – 10:00 Opening & Welcome
- James Brindle, Executive Director, Magna Vitae – Welcome
- Paul Bristow, Director Strategic Partnerships, Arts Council England
- Cllr. Craig Leyland, Leader, East Lindsey District Council
- Moderators: Adam Jeanes and Chris Torch (SEAS)
10:00 What is an appropriate cultural response?
- Presentation Chris Torch (SEAS) followed by open floor discussion in plenary.
- Moderator: Adam Jeanes
10:15 Participation & Inclusivity
- Two examples from SEAS Skegness 2009 and their genesis through community engagement. The test of time. History catching up.
- Presentation by Dritero Kasapi (Sweden) Artistic Director, Riksteatern on Glorious Death.
- Invited guest: Paolo Aniello of Wunderbaum (Netherlands) on Beer Tourist (2009) and video of new production The Bulk (2025).
- Discussion: how can artists and cultural projects engage and structure thoughts about change?
- Dritero Kasapi and Paolo Aniello in conversation with Rachel Baynton: Associate Professor, Lincoln School of Creative Arts, University of Lincoln with questions from the floor.
- Moderator: Adam Jeanes
11:30 – 11:45 Break
11:45 Ports – Re-thinking – Where City Meets Sea
- Presentation by Lars Oskan Henriksen Director of Helsingør: Port of Knowledge, Denmark
- Discussion: Lars in conversation with Lisa February, CEO/Lowercase Theatre, Grimsby
- Moderator: Adam Jeanes
Lunch Break 13:00-14:00
14:00 Place: Fast Urban Research, genius loci, cultivating culture in the town, port cities
- Video presentation by Jacek Dominiczak (Poland) of the Fast Urban Research from SEAS Skegness 2009 and reflections for the future, 16 years after.
- Intro: Chris Torch. Jacek will join us by video link from Gdansk Poland.
- Discussion: Jacek in conversation with Damien Hodgson, Old School Architects with questions from the floor
- Moderator: Chris Torch
15:15 – 15:30 Break
15:30 Sustainability & environmental challenges
- Aniela Zaba, Creative Producer at Beach of Dreams
Environmental questions – what is the appropriate cultural response - Discussion with Chris Torch, representing Brindisi, Italy
16:45 Reflections: What is an appropriate cultural response?
17:30 Event Close
Friday 13 June
Watch the conference, split by session
Playlist
3 Videos
0:16
0:16
33:53
Friday 13 June
10:00 Looking Back
What has been tested since SEAS set sail from Skegness in 2009, internationally and locally? Concrete examples that help us form a map to navigate the future.
10:30 Navigating the Future – Co-Creation Workshop
Led by Chris Torch and Adam Jeanes, this interactive session invites conference speakers, audience members, young people, artists, community leaders, and cultural practitioners to envision a future international cultural event in Skegness.
• What could it look and feel like?
• Who could be involved?
• What could be its objectives and outcomes?
The session will include some breakout groups and practical planning toward future collaborative actions.
11:45 – 12:00 Break
12:00 Final Session: Next Steps & Festival Opening
Looking forward: What is in the making for the future in port towns and sea resorts in the East Midlands? Possible connections for cooperation between port cities in the North and Adriatic SEAS
13.00 Next steps and wrap-up of conference
The Opening of 2025’s SO Festival!!
Speakers: SEAScape 2025
James Brindle
James Brindle is a cultural leader with a strong track record in strategic development, place-making, and community engagement through the arts. As the Assistant Director for Culture and Leisure at Lincolnshire County Council, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape, overseeing major initiatives that connect heritage, creativity, and wellbeing. His work champions inclusive access to culture and supports the growth of Lincolnshire’s creative economy.
With a background in arts management and public service, James has led numerous cross-sector partnerships and regional programmes that highlight the value of culture in civic life. He is a passionate advocate for the role of creativity in regeneration and social cohesion, and continues to drive forward innovative projects that place culture at the heart of local identity and future planning.
Paul Bristow
Paul Bristow is Director of Strategic Partnerships and Place Policy at Arts Council England, where he leads national policy on localism, devolution, and cultural place-making. He plays a key role in shaping partnerships with local and combined authorities, advising on how to build vibrant cultural ecosystems that enhance opportunity and wellbeing. Paul also oversees the design and delivery of major funding programmes that support regional cultural development.
With a background in public policy and cultural strategy, Paul previously served as Head of Policy at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. He began his career in local government and holds an MSc in Public Policy and Management from the University of London. His work continues to influence how culture is embedded in local and national agendas
Chris Torch
Chris Torch is a leading cultural strategist, curator, and policy advisor with a distinguished career in intercultural dialogue and audience development. He is currently Director of Brindisi 2027, Italy’s bid for Capital of Culture, and has played key roles in successful European Capital of Culture campaigns for Matera, Rijeka, and Timisoara. As founder of Intercult in Stockholm, he led major EU-funded projects such as SEAS and CORNERS, advancing cross-border cultural collaboration.
Torch is a co-author of the EU’s 2017 study on audience development and a frequent contributor to European cultural policy. His work includes the SHARE project linking Europe and West Africa, and the Pisciott’Arte festival in southern Italy. He continues to champion inclusive, community-driven cultural initiatives across Europe.
Nicki Jarvis
Nicki Jarvis is a multidisciplinary artist and cultural practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the arts and heritage sector. Her creative practice in ceramics and textiles is deeply rooted in community engagement, often realised through residencies, participatory projects, and teaching at Oxcombe Pottery. Nicki’s work bridges artistic expression and social connection, creating meaningful experiences that celebrate local identity.
Formerly a museum and gallery curator, Nicki served as Senior Arts Development Officer at East Lindsey District Council, where she led the Lincolnshire coast’s contribution to the Black/North SEAS festival. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to cultural access, creative education, and the power of art to transform communities.
Adam Jeanes
Adam Jeanes is a seasoned cultural producer and international project director with over three decades of experience in the arts. He served as Project Director for Black/North SEAS at Intercult Productions in Stockholm and has led numerous transnational initiatives across Europe and East Asia through his work with the British Council. His career spans consultancy, training, and production in both public and commercial sectors.
Adam has also worked in the music industry with festivals such as The Green Man and The Big Chill, and previously managed cultural programmes focused on Muslim, migrant, and refugee communities. Since 2012, he has been Senior Relationship Manager for Music at Arts Council England, supporting a wide range of genres and fostering innovation in the UK’s music landscape.
Dritëro Kasapi
Dritëro Kasapi is an acclaimed theatre director and cultural leader with over 25 years of international experience across theatre, film, and television. Currently Artistic Director of Riksteatern in Sweden, he has held prominent roles at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern and Gottsunda Dance & Theatre, and is the founder of the Children’s Theatre Centre in North Macedonia. His work spans classical and contemporary productions, with performances featured at major festivals and venues across Europe.
Kasapi is also active in screenwriting, cultural policy, and education, contributing to international film projects and mentoring emerging artists. His artistic vision is marked by bold storytelling, social engagement, and a commitment to diversity in the performing arts.
Damien Hodgson
Damien Hodgson ARB, RIBA is a registered architect and founder of Old School Architects LLP, a Lincolnshire-based practice known for its focus on adaptive reuse and sustainable design. With over 20 years of international experience, Damien has led award-winning projects across the UK, Europe, and Australia, including the celebrated Holbeck Stables and Glebe Farm conversions.
In addition to his architectural practice, Damien is a Senior Design Tutor at Loughborough University and an active member of the Lincolnshire Society of Architects and RIBA’s New and Emerging Practices Forum. Fluent in German, he brings a global perspective to his work, blending academic insight with practical innovation.
Rachel Baynton
Rachel Baynton is an interdisciplinary artist, producer, and academic whose work explores collaboration, co-creation, and socially engaged performance. As Co-Artistic Director of Proto-type Theater, she has developed critically acclaimed works including the Truth to Power Trilogy and A Machine They’re Secretly Building, presented internationally and supported by Arts Council England and the British Council.
Rachel’s projects often respond to place, history, and activism, engaging diverse communities in meaningful cultural dialogue. She is Associate Professor at the University of Lincoln, a member of the Creative UK National Council, and a passionate advocate for emerging artists through her governance roles with UK New Artists and Zest Theatre.
Jacek Dominiczak
Professor Jacek Dominiczak is a renowned architect, artist, and academic, currently leading The Studio for City Interior Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. He is the originator of Dialogic Space Theory and Diaform (Dialogic Form), pioneering concepts that integrate ethics, identity, and mood into architectural design. His innovative tools, such as the Urban Grid Method and Local Identity Code, have been applied in projects across Europe and Australia.
A Fulbright and Kościuszko Foundation scholar, Dominiczak has taught at leading institutions including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Michigan. His work has been exhibited internationally and recognized by the American Institute of Architects and Poland’s National Chamber of Urban Planners. He continues to shape the discourse on urbanism and design from his base in Gdańsk.
Paolo Aniello
Paolo Aniello is a cultural producer and strategist with a distinguished career in European theatre, festival curation, and international cultural policy. Formerly Co-Artistic Director of CSS–Teatro Stabile di Innovazione in Udine, he has led EU-funded initiatives and contributed to networks such as Theorem and SEAS. He has curated for major festivals in the Netherlands and France and advised the Dutch Ministry of Culture on internationalisation.
He co-founded Mare Culturale Urbano in Milan, serving as CEO and Co-Director until 2019. Aniello continues to consult on theatre initiatives across Europe, with recent work for ERT–Emilia Romagna Teatro Nazionale and ongoing collaborations with 369gradi and Wunderbaum. His work reflects a strong commitment to cross-border cultural exchange.
Craig Leyland
Cllr Craig Leyland has served as a councillor for East Lindsey District Council since 2007 and has held the position of Council Leader since 2015. His leadership follows previous roles as Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development and Deputy Leader. With a longstanding commitment to public service, Leyland has played a pivotal role in shaping policy and driving strategic initiatives across the district.
A resident of East Lindsey since 1984, Leyland is also a local business owner, operating a family-run antique dealership and furniture restoration workshop in Woodhall Spa. Deeply invested in the region’s prosperity, he champions the value of culture, tourism, and heritage as key drivers of community wellbeing and economic growth. Under his leadership, East Lindsey District Council continues to prioritize cultural development as a cornerstone of its vision for the future.
Lars Oskan-Henriksen
Lars Oskan-Henriksen serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Elsinore, bringing decades of experience in cultural event production across Denmark. Under his leadership, the port continues its evolution as a central force in the city’s development, emphasizing its role not only as a logistical hub but also as a cultural and civic landmark. His appointment reflects a strategic vision that prioritizes cultural engagement and community enrichment alongside maritime operations.
Over the past three decades, the Port of Elsinore has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from its origins as a major shipyard and the city’s largest employer to a vibrant cultural destination. Today, it is home to internationally recognized institutions such as Kronborg Castle—immortalized as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet—and the Danish National Maritime Museum. This transition underscores the port’s enduring role as the heart of Elsinore, with Oskan-Henriksen’s cultural expertise guiding its future direction.
