A Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network has been established in Surrey, driving global conversations on technological change in this crucial regional and national sector.
The UKโs creative and cultural industries are worth ยฃ125 billion and trillions globally. It is a sector that is constantly evolving, with huge technological advances coming and fast.
But with the World Economic Forum employers anticipating 39% of workersโ core skills will change by 2030, there’s a challenge how industry leaders will adapt to change.
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is tackling these questions head on, starting by bringing together industry leaders. The inaugural meeting of the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network took place at its Farnham campus last week.
Organisations attending the launch included Warner Bros, British Film Institute, Adobe, ITN and Appleโs Media Arts Lab.
About the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network
Challenges for leadership was the focus of the first session, taking place at UCA’s bespoke Creative Business School.
Professor Lyndsay Duthie, UCAโs Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Partnerships & Industry Engagement, explained:
โThe creative and cultural industries are full of opportunity, but being part of the narrative is vital to thrive in these changing times. We need to think globally to maximise potential and collaborate across disciplines. UCA has developed this Network with senior industry leaders to share ideas and shape its future.โ
Speakers included:
- Samantha Perahia, Head of Production from British Film Commission,
- Sara Whybrew Director of Skills at British Film Institute,
- Stephen Hancock, Executive Director, Appleโs Media Arts Lab
- award-winning TEDx speaker, Andy Coley
All acknowledged the importance of talent pipelines, resilience and leadership.
Other representatives taking part in discussions on leading for the future, considering AI, ethics and cultural power, included:
- Kim Rowell, Managing Editor, ITN and Vice Chair of Royal Television Society Technology Centre,
- Emma Thwaites from The Open Data Institute
- Chris Wheeler from Warner Bros.
- Niels Stevens Adobe
UCAโs President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, reiterated:
โUCA is in a great position to facilitate the important discussions we must now have to futureproof our sector. The event confirmed that we can play a leading role supporting, steering and equipping the creative and cultural leaders for the challenges today and tomorrow.โ
If youโd like to join UCAโs Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network please email Helen Witt.
Surrey and the Creative Industries
Surreyโs creative industries cluster is a vibrant and dynamic sector. It comprises a diverse array of businesses, educational institutions, and collaborative networks.
It has more than 10,000 digital startups, film and TV studios, artistic producers, and entertainment companies employing 45,000 people.
There is a range of support available for freelancers, startups and businesses in the creative industries. Contact us to find out more.
Image credit: UCA
