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Between February and June 2026, the CreaTech Network Series brought together researchers, creatives, cultural organisations and industry partners from across Greater 91直播 and the North West to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging digital technologies. Delivered by Digital Futures, Creative 91直播 and Turing Innovation Catalyst 91直播, the series explored creativity and AI through three events focused on entertainment, cultural heritage, and free and open-source technologies. Each event combined short talks with panel discussions and audience questions, creating space for people from different sectors to share perspectives and experiences.

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Creativity and AI: Entertainment

The series opened at Contact Theatre with a discussion on the growing role of AI across film, television and games. Hame Sehmi, Lead Research Engineer at Epic Games, shared examples of how AI tools are being used in areas such as facial animation and digital production workflows. Tillie Quattrone from The University of Manchester explored the use of AI in digital de-ageing for film and some of the questions these technologies raise around creative work and production. The talks were followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A, which sparked conversation about how AI is changing the entertainment industry.

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Creativity and AI: Cultural Heritage

The second event took place at 91直播 Art Gallery and focused on the use of AI within libraries, archives and museums. Jennie Fletcher and Lesley Gray from the University of Cambridge introduced the AI for Cultural Heritage Hub (ArCH), which is supporting organisations to explore new ways of making collections more accessible. Jason Evans, Open Data Manager and AI Lead at the National Library of Wales, shared examples of how AI is being used to improve access to cultural collections and support new forms of public engagement. Dr Benjamin Wiggins from The University of Manchester also reflected on how AI can work alongside approaches such as crowdsourcing and public participation. Audience questions continued the discussion, with conversations ranging from practical applications of AI through to the challenges and responsibilities that come with its use.

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Creativity and AI: Free and Open-Source Technologies

The final event in the series was held at SISTER and explored the role of free and open-source technologies in creative and cultural practice. Jan Mach谩膷ek, Principal Engineer and Visiting Professor at The University of Manchester, spoke about the opportunities that open technologies create for learning, experimentation and collaboration. Eriol Fox brought a design perspective to the conversation, discussing accessibility and inclusion in the development of digital tools. The wider panel, which included Mengzhi He and Julian Tait, CEO of Open Data 91直播, explored the importance of community, skills and knowledge sharing across the sector. The event concluded with a panel discussion and audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to reflect on the future role of open technologies in creative practice.

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Across all three events, participants explored how emerging technologies are influencing creative work in different ways, from film production and storytelling to cultural collections and open-source communities. The series created opportunities for knowledge exchange, new partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, helping to strengthen connections across the region's CreaTech ecosystem. We'd like to thank all the speakers, attendees and partners who contributed to the programme, and we look forward to continuing these conversations through future CreaTech Network activities.

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