Over 150 businesses from across Staffordshire came together at Burslem School of Art on 16 August 2017 for an informal reception hosted by Keele University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Trevor McMillan.

Speaking against a backdrop of art produced by around 200 of the region’s artists for the Three Counties Exhibition, Professor McMillan reflected on the University’s support for the City of Culture 2021 bid, and the local area.

Speaking at the event, Professor McMillan said: “The businesses that we work with contribute in many different ways to the economic growth, social, environmental and cultural development of the local area.  Keele’s reach is international, but our relationship with the local area and the impact we have here is increasingly important to us.

“This is the first time that we’ve brought the Three Counties Exhibition to Burslem School of Art, working in partnership with The City Learning Trust and Barewall Gallery.  It was very important for us to do so, as a way of demonstrating our commitment to the cultural regeneration of the City and wider area - all the more important in the light of the area’s bid for UK City of Culture.”

Cllr Abi Brown, Deputy Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, welcomed the University and business community’s support for the bid to become the next UK City of Culture.  Speaking at the event, Cllr Brown said: "Innovation is our watchword, and Stoke-on-Trent is a city that is truly on the up. It is a proud moment to see how the City of Culture bid is bringing us all together."

To view more photos from the event, please click here.