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Theme - Economics

How do you govern for shared prosperity? Is there an economic divide between North and South? What role does art have in social change? These are just some of the questions that will be debated by a range of speakers including business leaders, policy experts, economists and journalists.

14 June was Economy day - a full day of events and networking, in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Past events

North - South: from divide to chasm

14 June, 10.30am, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

A talk by Danny Dorling. Chaired by Rowland Atkinson.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Two-speed Britain - myth or reality?

14 June, 11.30am, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

A panel debate, featuring Danny Dorling, Kate Pickett, Martin Vander Weyer, Stephen Lee and Bob Doherty. Chaired by Pete Smith.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Supporting business and growing the economy

14 June, 1.30pm, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

A panel debate, featuring Jonathan Portes, Kevin Brennan, Ed Cox, Nigel Foster and Kersten England. Chaired by Julia Unwin.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Managing finance: For the common good

14 June, 3pm, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

A talk by Mark Buchanan. Chaired by Rosemary Bennett.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Skivers vs Strivers - the implications of re-branding the welfare state

14 June, 4.30pm, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

A panel debate, featuring Zoe Williams, Paul Johnson, David Goodhart and Harriet Sergeant. Chaired by Professor Karen Mumford.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Progressive capitalism

14 June, 6pm, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

David Goodhart interviews Lord Sainsbury of Turville.

Admission: Free, ticketed


The global challenge for Britain and British business

14 June, 8pm, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

A panel debate, featuring Paul Ormerod, Hugh Bayley MP, Barry Dodd, Charles Cecil, Angela Darlington and March Buchanan. Chaired by David Goodhart.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Strange bedfellows? Creativity and analysis in an age of austerity

14-15 June, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

When we talk about education policy, how often do we ask the rising generation–those who will be most affected by changes -for their views? This exhibition present the findings and creative works produced from a research project with students at Huntington School to find out their views things such as: proposed reform to education policy; the place of the arts and creative activity in their lives; their ambitions and aspirations for the future.

Admission: Free, no booking required


BBC Radio 3 - Free Thinking: Ethical business

16 June, Ron Cooke Hub, University of York

Radio 3’s Rana Mitter will be asking a panel of business people, economists and historians if ethical business is affordable today, or whether wealth creation itself is really the ethical action.


What has the North ever done for social policy - then and now?

20 June, 6.30pm, Berrick Saul Building, University of York

The famous York-born social reformer, Seebohm Rowntree, was an early contributor to social policy in the North of England. Important contemporary contributions are still being made to the development of social policy through the work of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Find out more about the role of the north in social policy.

Admission: Free, ticketed


Think global, act local: Art and social value

22 June, 3pm, The New School House Gallery, Peasholme Green

What is the relationship between art and social value? Robert Teed and Paula Jackson examine the capacity of art as a vehicle for social change, as an advocacy tool for human rights, and in a relational sense as a means of developing the self. Beginning with case studies from the New School House Gallery, the presentation extends to ask how art can engage communities and change societies for the better.

Admission: Free, ticketed


York Sunday Politics Show

23 June, 10am, Berrick Saul Building, University of York

Leading commentators Greg Dyke (Chairman of the Football Association) and Peter Hitchens (Author and Columnist at the Mail on Sunday) will debate topical issues, with an opportunity for audience input. The event will be chaired by Steve Richards (Chief Political Commentator, The Independent).