University and Creative UK welcomes creative industries representatives for collaborative event
Businesses from across the creative industries have been welcomed to the University of Exeter for a collaborative event aimed at forging new partnerships and inspiring growth and investment.
More than 70 representatives from industry, higher education and local government met to share ideas and best practice on the Streatham campus.
Orchestrated by Creative UK in partnership with the University’s Department of Communications, Drama and Film, and Circe Creative Leadership, the afternoon of talks and workshops was facilitated to support the Devon Create Growth Programme.
The programme is designed to enable businesses to develop skills and capacity in order to help them secure investment and grow sustainably.
“We were delighted to work with the University and Circe’s creative leadership network to deliver a creative sector collaboration workshop,” says Sam Spake, Devon Programme Manager, Creative UK. “We will be facilitating introductions and insights between organisations to explore how they can work together on new projects and develop resilient, networked business activities.
“This is an exciting time for the creative industries in the SW and the Create Growth programme is leading on supporting on the Creative Industries in Devon, providing strategic mentoring, connections, upskilling and partnerships with the unique resources universities can offer for innovation.”
After an opening from the University team, including Professor Jane Milling, Head of the Department of Communications, Drama and Film, each of the main institutions was provided with an opportunity to introduce themselves.
A series of ‘connector tables’ followed, where delegates could meet potential partner organisations including Arts & Culture, and the Creative Industries and Economy team at the University; national and local authorities such as Innovate UK, Devon County Council and Exeter Chamber of Commerce; organisations including Screen Devon and UNESCO City of Literature; and city venues Northcott Theatre and Exeter Phoenix.
The event finished with a session on creative landscapes and collaborations, led by Pippa Warin of Circe, and Dom Jinks, Creative Places Lead at the University, followed by an evening networking session.
The networking event was followed by the launch of the latest issue of The Lit, an online literary journal co-directed by Professor Kiernan and Hazel Beevers. This issue exploredstechnology and publishing, aiming to create immersive screen-led reading experiences. It features artwork by BAFTA artist Oswin Tickler and University alumnus Yudi Wu (MA Creativity), as well as students on Exeter’s MA Publishing and MA Creative Writing degrees.
“There was a genuine sense from the delegates that they wanted to use the day as a catalyst to connect and collaborate,” says Professor Anna Kiernan, Associate Professor of Creativity and Literary Culture, and co-organiser of the event. “We’ve also had great feedback from regional and local arts organisations and feeder colleges, and colleagues within the University, such as at the Business School. Engaging with businesses is at the heart of our innovative work across the faculty and supports our ambition to nurture students who are industry ready.”
