State of the Arts: how can artists and managers make the most of it?

State of the Arts 2012 is almost upon us and like all big arts events it merits a preview, which Dany Louise duly provided us by looking back at last year's event and ahead to the topics under discussion next week. How the post-show reviews will read remains to be seen. Andy Field, Forest Fringe founder and host of the official 2012 State of the Arts blog , suggests this year's theme – 'Artists shaping the world' – is already a step in the right direction. As is moving the party from London to the Lowry. But what about you? If you're headed to Salford, what do you want to say and hear on the day? And if you're not going, why not? As Jack Hutchinson reports, some artists are choosing other forums to make their voices heard – can an event run by Arts Council England accommodate meaningful debate and dissent? We've given over this week's live chat for a pre-conference chinwag to chew over these questions, a light appetiser to Tuesday's main course, if you like. Join us (and some familiar faces) on Friday at noon where we'll also be picking up on the themes for next week's event. We'll also be at State of the Arts in person, of course, meeting as many of you as we can and liveblogging with our colleagues from Guardian Culture for those of you at home. Either way, see you next Tuesday. Panel Alison Clark-Jenkins, regional director, Arts Council England Alison is Arts Council regional director for the North East and is a former director of arts, educator and marketer – she is a staunch northerner and passionate promoter of collaboration. @alisoncj Marie Nixon, Clore fellow, Clore Leadership Programme Marie is a Clore fellow for 2011-12. She works across the north of England as a senior manager, Advocacy at Arts Council England – Marie is also a musician who performs with her band The Cornshed Sisters. @mariemarie0 Emily Bull, operations manager, Audiences South West Emily is the operations manager for Audiences South West. In her role she deals with project management, facilitation and general audience development work – she has an MA in Arts Management and experience of working in arts and cultural venues, as well as with touring companies. @audiencessw Dany Louise, strategic facilitator & arts writer, freelance Dany is a visual arts specialist and writer with 20 years experience in education, management and strategic arts roles. Now freelance, she focuses on organisational development and cultural policy in the visual arts. @DanyLouise Rebecca Drew, curator freelance Rebecca is an arts professional, curator and editor – she was formerly deputy director of Photoworks. @BexDrew Nicola Anthony, artist & art writer Nicola is an internationally exhibited artist and art writer, creating intricate sculpture & drawing in her studio on London's Southbank – she is a collector of art, thoughts and words. @nicola_anthony Anna Brown, owner and director, Annabee Potts Anna is a ceramicist and full time postgraduate student studying management and the creative industries. @annabrowntweets This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional . To get more articles like this direct to your inbox, sign up free to become a member of the Culture Professionals Network .