What Next? local Chapters are at the heart of the movement. They provide a regular space for artists, freelancers, cultural organisations, local authorities, educators, funders and creative practitioners to come together, build relationships and explore the issues affecting culture in their place. Chapters have found it very useful to create and sustain regional networks and discuss local issues and then position themselves within a wider UK context.
Each Chapter is shaped by its local context, reflecting the unique opportunities and challenges facing its communities while contributing to a wider national conversation. Through open dialogue, shared learning and collaboration, Chapters help identify emerging themes, surface diverse perspectives and connect local experience with national policy and sector development.
Anyone can join a chapter, simply find a group in your local area or region and connect with them. Where possible we’ve provided details of when and where each chapter meets. But this varies throughout the year, so please use it as a guide, and contact the Chapter Chairs to confirm details of upcoming meetings and join the regional email list. Use the map or menu alongside to find details of the chapters.

All you need to start a What Next? Chapter is the motivation to bring about change, plenty of passion and energy and a little bit of time. We have found that if these meetings are held in a particular way – open, positive, collaborative, and forward looking – a particular ethos emerges. Our concern is for everyone to have a voice. If there is not a chapter in your region, why not set up your own.
What Next? believes that it is our collective responsibility to create spaces, both offline and online, that are welcoming and respectful to everyone. This Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to our vision of Arts and Culture playing a vital role in creating a more equitable society, and our values of democracy, equity, leadership, creativity, generosity and trust: