First TEDxExeter adventure comes to Exeter

Leaders from across Exeter are gathering this week for the first TEDxExeter Adventure

The masterclass, at the University of Exeter, will feature Cormac Russell and bring together key influencers from the public, voluntary and community sectors.

Mr Russell is the managing director of Nurture Development, Europe’s leading asset-based community development organisation and advocates how institutions can support ‘bottom up’ community driven change. He supports both communities and organisations to create conditions where any neighbourhood can identify, connect and mobilise assets to the benefit of the whole community. It is based on the premise that the ‘only people who can build community are the people who live, sleep and work there’.

The audience will include key staff from Devon & Cornwall Police, charities, the health sector, volunteer groups, community leaders and councils.

Curator Claire Kennedy said: “We are delighted to be hosting our first TEDxExeter Adventure alongside our main conference next week. Everyone in the TEDxExeter team is devoted to ideas worth spreading. Great ideas change the prism through which we view the world. They offer new perspectives, spark connections, and inspire action. We are thrilled that Cormac is spending his time in Exeter to engage with the heart of the Exeter community and to offer his ideas on growing strong communities.”

Karime Hassan, Chief Executive and Growth Director at Exeter City Council said: “There is a strong appetite to continue to support our community in Exeter and find new ways of doing it. TEDxExeter is amazing. It creates an intelligent buzz and space to explore new ways of thinking. We are delighted to be part of the first TEDxExeter Adventure.”

Mr Russell is just one of the exceptional line up of speakers at the TEDxExeter ideas festival on April 15. The sold out event takes place at the Northcott Theatre and via a livestream in the nearby Alumni Auditorium, business and people at home.