Oxfordshire creative industries event returns showcasing county’s role in the UK’s creative economy
Following a three-year gap due to the pandemic, it has today been announced that the Oxfordshire Creative Industries Showcase will return next month, with the event set to highlight one of the most-vibrant and successful sectors in the county.
Jointly led by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Oxford Brookes University, the event will return to the university’s Headington campus on 21 June.
As well as demonstrating the breadth of creativity and innovation that exists within the creative industries sector, plus the opportunities available to young ‘creatives’ in Oxfordshire, the celebration will particularly focus on why effective and engaging storytelling is so important, as well as Oxfordshire’s contribution to the post-pandemic regeneration of the UK’s creative sector.
The event is also being supported by a number of organisations and industry figures from across Oxfordshire and beyond, including the University of Oxford and Creative England.
A number of high-profile companies and key figures working within the sector are set to lead several panel discussions, with around 200 visitors anticipated to attend between 10 am and 4.30 pm. For those who can’t attend in-person some talks will be live-streamed.
People can register their interest in attending the free event, via OxLEP’s website, which also gives details of sessions and activities throughout the day.
Register for the event
Prior to Covid-19, the creative industries sector in Oxfordshire contributed £1.4bn annually to the UK economy with one report stating that pre-pandemic, the creative industries sector across the UK grew at five times the rate of the wider economy.
Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of OxLEP, said: “The creative industries sector is one of the most-significant sectors in Oxfordshire. It continues to be innovative and offers real opportunities – not only to young people – but also in terms of future investment and being able to play a key role in the UK’s economic recovery from Covid-19.
“It’s important for us that we continue to highlight creative industries in Oxfordshire and ensure as many different groups as possible understand its ongoing potential and importance.”
Daniela Treveri Gennari, Professor of Cinema Studies – Research Lead for the School of Arts, at Oxford Brookes University, said: “The Creative Industries Research and Innovation Network at Oxford Brookes brings together the significant potential of research around the creative industries at our university. With the network we make connections between researchers and industry partners.
“This event will showcase existing collaborations between researchers at Oxford Brookes and industry partners. It is also an opportunity to get involved and establish new relationships with the local business community.
“We are keen to talk more about the diversity and inclusive future of the creative industries, their economic value and social contributions.”