2024!

This year we’re inviting you to “Stop, Collaborate, and Listen.” 

In a world that moves at an ever-increasing pace, the call to “Stop” prompts us all to reflect on the significance of pausing amidst the chaos, to examine societal norms and reassess our personal and professional journeys. 

The heart of our theme lies in “Collaborate,” emphasising the strength found in unity and shared efforts. We’re stronger when we work together rather than against each other.

The final component, “Listen,” challenges us to explore the art of active listening in a world filled with noise, and how, if we all understood the importance of empathy, fostered an open-mind, and promoted meaningful and non-judgemental dialogue, the world would be a better place.

“Stop, Collaborate, and Listen” is a call to action for us to explore ideas that transcend the ordinary, challenge the status quo, and ultimately provide a renewed sense of purpose!

This page is the active page for the 2024 event, for more check out these links:

• Speakers
• Venue
• Hosts
• Interviewees
• Team
• Partners

Meet The Speakers (2024)

Meet our speakers for our TEDxWolverhampton 2024 event…

We are currently in the process of assessing all the speaker applications submitted by our wonderful TEDx community.

There will be an announcement in the spring to announce our 2024 event speakers. Watch this space!

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THE VENUE

The Arena Theatre is a friendly 150 seat venue in the heart of Wolverhampton, providing innovative theatre experiences for everyone.

HISTORY

The Arena began life in 1976 in a disused gym in the basement of Wolverhampton Polytechnic, as part of the Drama and Performing Arts department. In addition to student performances, the theatre presented shows by local schools and community groups, as well as professional touring theatre companies and musicians.

With support from the Arts Council of England, the theatre was able to put on more events and open its doors to a much wider audience from outside the polytechnic, becoming a much-loved theatre that offered work reflecting Wolverhampton’s rich cultural diversity.

20 years later, however, the theatre had outgrown its cramped and inaccessible home, so with investment from the University of Wolverhampton and a grant from the National Lottery, an ambitious £2 million refurbishment began.

After 18 months of building work, the Arena Theatre re-opened in October 1999. With greatly improved facilities and access, the theatre was able to expand its programme of performances and events. We now host in excess of 200 public performances per year – in addition to a host of other special events. The work of culturally diverse artists continues to feature strongly in our programme of work and we have developed a reputation as one of the leading venues in the country for our support of Deaf and disabled artists.

FUNDING

Arena Theatre is supported using funding by Arts Council England and by the University of Wolverhampton.

Find out more at: www.wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre

Getting here:

By car

The Arena Theatre is situated in the heart of Wolverhampton City Centre, directly behind the Wolverhampton Art Gallery and next to the University of Wolverhampton’s Wulfruna building. The theatre is completely accessible by road.

The nearby Broad Street car park is open 24 hours a day and costs £4.50 for 24-hour parking. Parking is £2 after 5.30pm.

If you don’t have change available, you can download the RingGo app directly to your smartphone. The code for Broad Street is 8035.

By train

Wolverhampton train station is a just a five-minute walk away from the Arena Theatre. See the map (link above) for directions.

Arena Photos: Drew White

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What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

Our event is called TEDxWolverhampton, where x = independently organized TED event.

At our event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.