The event brought together different partners including the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), to further promote culture-led regeneration in the East of England.
Representatives from Arts Council East and other regional partners discussed plans for cultural developments including the £60m New Royal Opera House Production Park in Thurrock.
Other centres of excellence include DanceEast's new DanceHouse in Ipswich and Firstsite:newsite, the contemporary visual arts facility in Colchester.
Barbara Follett also met representatives from EEDA and the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, to highlight employment and investment of opportunities for Thurrock and the rest of the East of England.
The Forum - now in its fourth year, is the largest gathering of people and organisations responsible for delivering The Thames Gateway Plan, as the region prepares for a period of unprecedented growth and development.
Barbara Follett said: "Fantastic cultural developments like the Royal Opera House Production Park ensure that culture and creativity are at the heart of these ambitious plans for growth in our region and help to inspire, create and transform the success of local communities.
"It is hoped that the Forum will lead to stronger links between the various partners in the region, which can be further developed in the future."
