The third World Summit on Arts and Culture concluded today in Newcastle Gateshead, England. The Summit brought together more than 500 delegates from over 80 countries to discuss the role of culture in regeneration. 'Co-hosted by IFACCA and Arts Council England, delegates took part in stimulating debates and listened to world class speakers. Sarah Gardner, Executive Director of IFACCA, said that the board and members were reinvigorated by the events of the summit. The delegates came away with inspiration and new contacts for the future. IFACCA also held its second General Assembly, where members voted for the organisation's new board and discussed future plans. Risto Ruohonen, Chair of IFACCA and Director of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Education, Finland, said: "The growing interest in cultural policies creates challenges for arts and cultural decision-makers – to do more, and to do better, often with the same resources. This wider recognition tests artistic and cultural principles and demands the delicate balancing of many different objectives." IFACCA's 2009 summit host will be announced in the next six months. For more information, click here.