Mayor of Salford to open Innovation Network for Cultures of Class

The network encompasses the arts, humanities and social sciences and addresses questions on what we mean when we speak of class today, whether it is an outmoded concept that belongs with the 19th century, a helpful term when understanding inequalities across time and countries, or a term that should be eschewed because it is contentious and sensitive? 

Mayor Paul Dennett will open the Innovation Network for Cultures of Class on October 22 at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Led by the University of Salford but working across Higher Education, Museums, Galleries and public authorities the network will focus on the impact of class on our lives both past and present.

Run by Tanja Poppelreuter, associated professor of Architectural Humanities, in SEE Faculty and Nicholas Barnett, lecturer in Politics and Contemporary History, part of SHAPE Faculty, as co-chairs alongside Emma Barnes as Network Manager, the network has many upcoming events such as the Walking Tour “At the Crossroads of Manchester and Salford” that is part of the national Being Human Festival in November.

Tanja Poppelreuter said: “Now is a very exciting time to get involved in the Innovation Network on Cultures and Class – our members work collaboratively and are developing a range of research projects. We are very happy to see the Mayor of Salford engaged in our network.”

Exploring how class impacted lives in the past and present and how class has changed since the industrial age, attendees will hear about the exciting range of interest groups based on class that make up the network.

These are as follows:

• Media, Culture and Class
• Working Words Collective
• Educational Pathways and Classed Trajectories
• Commemoration
• Social Housing
• The Creative Arts and Class 
• Better Working Lives and 
• Class in the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM).

To promote inclusivity these groups support and connect members across social boundaries – they also organise events, publications and research projects that generate impactful and innovative outcomes.

Open to all who would like to learn more about class, the network also offers a free membership which allows members access to opportunities in networking, collaboration, promotion, engagement, events and participation in research projects.

Reserve your free ticket for the event here: Innovation Network on Cultures of Class - Official Launch Tickets, Thursday, October 22  •  1 PM - 3 PM | Eventbrite

Further information about the network and its membership can be found here: About the Innovation Network on Cultures of Class