UK Creative Festival

24/09/2024

For those who didn't join us down in Margate this July, here's a little taster of all the incredible action from the UK Creative Festival 2024.

All the incredible talks and panel sessions are now available to watch on our website (link in bio) and on YouTube, so check them out and make sure you join us in 2025.

18/09/2024

When Ukraine won Eurovision in 2022 with Sam Ryder as runner up, the United Kingdom were asked to host on behalf of the winning country.

Watch as Dan Shipton - Creative Director of Black Skull Creative and Executive Producer and Head of Show Lee Smithurst talk about how an initial small creative idea turned into the reality of the UK hosting the competition and how we should all be using our creativity to make positive change and influence the wider narrative in these dark, divisive political times. This is the story of positivity, creativity, music and collaboration.

Watch the full session and all the other amazing talks from this year's UK Creative Festival now at www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk

18/09/2024

What do you do when Elon Musk tweets abusive stuff about your company?

It's all about timing in marketing and seizing opportunities like a pro, as explained by Joel Midgley from The Guardian!

Joel was joined by Mathieu Desbrandes from Reckitt, Ruth Boulter from McCann London and Paula Bloodworth of SILLYFACE to delve into the essence of purpose-driven marketing for our session: The Future is Caring: Crafting Campaigns with Purpose.

The full session is now available to watch at: https://www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk/sessions2024

16/09/2024

Want to know what it's like to work with Hollywood legend Robert De Niro? 🎬

This summer, Conrad Haddaway & Sherwin Teo from Mother, the dynamic team behind the Uber Eats ad featuring the iconic actor joined us to share insights into the their journey, creative process, and the unique challenges they faced in bringing this a star-studded project to life.

We are delighted to share the full talk with you all - simply visit https://youtu.be/KRBnzZQtBHU?si=k_xEgIJr1CuJ4zYx to watch.

13/09/2024

Where have all The 'Femverts' gone?

In the 2010s, a run of ”femvertising” - think Bodyform, This Girl Can, Barbie, Nike - all promised a better world for women. Not just in terms of representation in advertising, but for their potential and possibilities in life. But in the 2020s, these examples feel fewer and farther between as women renegotiate their feminism, deal with a rise in right-wing misogyny, and shoulder increased care responsibilities with decreased wages and support.

What are brands to do and say in this decade to reach women authentically? What tangible impact can brands have on women’s lives on a daily basis?

Watch as leading brand stewards, social impact experts and creatives as we talk about how they have navigated the new landscape of marketing to and representing women.

Watch the full talk here: https://youtu.be/WGdpEyteZSY?si=5WI7GCp1oUus0Bmb

11/09/2024

Turning Complexity into Comedy: How Specsavers Make Serious Topics Fun 🤓

In this dynamic panel discussion, we delve into the strategic and creative journey of Specsavers. Discover how Specsavers has revolutionized its approach to in-house marketing while sustaining a legacy of humour.

Watch Liz Baines, Head of Planning at Specsavers Creative talk to Jazz Gandhi, Co-Founder of Duet London about the power of creative thinking and purposeful branding in today's ever-evolving marketplace.

Find this talk and more from this year's UK Creative Festival on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xrH9Qo_N9p4?si=GqLwiShBoQXvdFw-

09/09/2024

A dream duo for a fireside chat ⭐

The Or's Executive Creative Director Charlene Chandrasekaran sat down with visionary London-based designer and film director Priya Ahluwalia at the UK Creative Festival in July to discuss overcoming barriers in the creative industry. They also chatted about Priya's creative inspirations, and her hopes for the future of fashion and film.

You can watch the full interview at: https://www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk/sessions2024

06/09/2024

One of the most anticipated talks from this year's UK Creative Festival, The State of the Nation was an intergenerational discussion on culture, diversity and what the future holds for the creative industry.

Advertising luminaries Rory Sutherland, Laura Jordan Bambach and Charlene Chandrasekaran came together in conversation with Digital Marketeer & Co-Host of Purpose Led Podcast Jonathan Reid, Co-Founder of Young Creators UK, Christoff Taylor and Co Head of Production at YCUK, Nhu Huynh.

We are delighted to announce that this talk is now available for everyone to view at https://www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk/sessions2024

Enjoy!

04/09/2024

Last year Channel 4 launched 25 new idents directed by 17 makers using a combination of live-action, animation and full CG – an Altogether Different system harmonised by the cube motif, the camera move and the central 4 logo. The stunning results of this work went on to win the GOLD of GOLDS award at this year's Creative Circle Awards.

We were thrilled to have three of the directors join us at this year's UK Creative Festival to discuss their experience of the project and offer reflections a year on from when they aired.

🎬 Michael Battcock; Joint Head of 3D, Time Based Arts
🎬 Fabrice Le Nezet; Creative Director, Optical Arts
🎬 The Romantix, Ralph Briscoe and Jay Stephen VFX Artists
🎬 Harry Jones, Operations Director, Time Based Arts

Visit https://www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk/sessions2024 to watch the full conversation, along with many other sessions from this year's festival.

02/09/2024

is revolutionizing the creative industry, but with infinite possibilities and endless jargon, it can feel overwhelming. If you’re feeling confused or apprehensive about integrating AI into your work, you're not alone.

Watch Creative Technologist Arthur Tindsley , Senior AI Creative Andrea Sarnataro, and 3D Artist and Art Director Jamie Seechurn discuss how to demystify AI. They cut through the noise and provide practical, tangible methods to harness AI’s creative potential and unlock storytelling techniques previously unimaginable.

Whether you're an AI newbie or looking to deepen your production capabilities, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to transform your creative processes and elevate your business. So watch now and discover how AI can become a powerful ally in your creative toolkit.

This is just one of the many insightful sessions from this year's UK Creative Festival - go to https://www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk/sessions2024 to watch now.

30/08/2024

The UK Creative Festival is a celebration of creativity, as well as a place for young creatives to explore the opportunities and pathways into the industry.

We are here to bridge the gap between education and a creative career. Here's a little sample of what happened at this year's festival at Dreamland Margate.

Follow us to find out more more!

29/08/2024

Do you want to help the next generation of creative talent in the UK?

We are recruiting mentors to join our next mentorship programme, starting soon!
The Creative Foundation Futures is a mentoring programme run by the Creative Foundation charity in partnership with the UK Creative Festival. It has been created to train creative professionals to become inclusive leaders, and give them the tools to mentor young people from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds who want to work in the creative industries.

So, if you work in the creative industry and would like to share your expertise and knowledge with a young, aspiring creative please get in touch with Magda at [email protected] to find out more about becoming being a mentor.

27/08/2024

BIG NEWS 📣

We are pleased to announce that the sessions from this year's UK Creative Festival are now available to view on our YouTube channel.

Simply click the link below to enjoy a range of brilliantly crafted talks from brands and creatives including: -

💥Damian Bradfield - WeTransfer
💥Rory Sutherland - Ogilvy UK
💥Boris Nihom - Dentsu Creative
💥Lucy Jameson - Uncommon Creative Studio
💥Priya Ahluwalia - Black Dog Films / Ridley Scott Creative Group
💥Charlene Chandrasekaran - The Or
💥Christoff Taylor - Young Creators UK
💥Anto Chioccarelli - Global
💥Emma Houlston - McCann London
💥Rob Bovington - The Gate London
💥Tom Ghiden - JOAN Creative
💥Steve Davies - Advertising Producers Association (APA)
💥Susie Braun - ITV
💥Stephanie Nattu - Creativebrief
💥Clemmie Telford - ITV
💥Christopher Kenna - GenBTV - Generation Black TV

and many more . . .

The Uk Creative Festival's aim is to supercharge the creative industries and in 2024 we did so through the lens of three key themes: - Culture & Community -P...

08/08/2024

After his brilliant fireside chat with Tracey Emin last year, we were thrilled to have British actor, author and art collector Russell Tovey return to the UK Creative Festival for a second time.

This time, Russell was joined on stage by Damian Bradfield, C0-founder of We Transfer. Their conversation delved into the mutually beneficial power of long-term alliances between creatives and brands.

As WePresent’s Guest Curator in 2023, Tovey was given the artistic freedom to spotlight q***r artists and some of his lifelong creative heroes who were lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis, culminating in the production of the evocative film "Life is Excellent." The year-long partnership spanned multiple projects, including joint efforts in supporting Magic Breakfast, a UK charity dedicated to ensuring no child is too hungry to learn, demonstrating how creativity can be a catalyst for social good.

During their inspiring conversation, they unpacked why artists and brands should join forces to tell important stories and drive meaningful change, what makes a good working relationship – and how to turn a professional meet cute into a long-lasting creative marriage.

We will be sharing this insightful session online shortly. Keep your eyes on our social to find out when and where you can watch.

06/08/2024

Britain has cut back its total culture budget by 6% since 2010, whilst Germany, France and Finland have each increased their spending by up to 70%.

A major new report from the Campaign for the Arts and the University of Warwick says that the UK now has one of the lowest levels of public funding for the arts and culture among European nations. Local government investment and arts subject entries at GCSE have both almost halved since 2010. The report claims: “Arts education faces critical challenges, from unequal opportunities in early years to course closures in universities nationwide.”

At the UK Creative Festival we believe in a UK where creativity and innovative thinking are the foundations of a successful economy and society.

We want the UK Government to recognise the importance of creativity in the curriculum and to see how it impacts future skills and the success of the UK creative industries, which contribute exponentially to our economy and society.

To help achieve this, we created our Creative Careers Fair, to provide guidance and opportunities to the next generation of young creatives through pathways and connections into any creative field that inspires them.

If you are as alarmed by the results of this new report as us, and you want to help reverse this crisis then please get in touch and support the UK Creative Festival 2025.

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02/08/2024

This year our Wellness Programme was so much more than just yoga and cold water swimming (although we did have those too!).

Our programme, brought to you by KILLER Art + Production, also featured a series of fascinating panel talks, focusing on encouraging success through the radical idea of rest. But like all things at the UK Creative Festival we do panel talks a bit differently. Situated in a tent and seated in deck chairs Natalia Talkowska led a wildly interactive workshop that dives into the untamed side of creativity. The session was perfect for anyone ready to challenge their boundaries and redefine what creativity means in an automated world.

If this has sparked your creative juices, you can catch up on all our panel sessions online soon. And if you want to get more involved in next year's UK Creative Festival then head over to www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk now and get in touch.

29/07/2024

The Best of British Creativity Exhibition

We were thrilled to share with you all the first ever Best of British Creativity Exhibition at this year's UK Creative Festival. The exhibition featured the best creative work from the UK, including all the shortlisted work from this year's Creative Circle Awards.

Which was your favourite work featured?

26/07/2024

At this year’s festival we were thrilled to have Creative Circle Awards President, Gabriela Scardaccione join us for a fireside chat with Brompton Bicycle CEO, Will Butler-Adams OBE CEng FRGS FCGI FIMechE.

A fascinating conversation unfolded, where Gabriela explored the unexpected blend of engineering precision and human touch that defines Will’s unique approach to craftsmanship and management.

Alongside the talk, Brompton kindly donated one of their incredible bikes for us to give away to one of the wonderful young creatives who were attending. Entrants had to explore our Best of British Creativity exhibition, which featured work from the 2024 Creative Circle Awards shortlist and answer questions about the history of the awards. We are thrilled to announce that the winner is . . . . Natasha Mason. 🎉

24/07/2024

We want to say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who contributed to the Creative Careers Fair at this year’s festival. 👏

We had over a 100 businesses & educators exhibiting this year, from every area of the creative sector, from educators including Global Academy who bought with them 25 students who worked alongside our production team, to creators like Merlin Entertainments who wowed our young creatives with their display of props from Madame Tussauds and Lego Land, to agencies like Sparks who helped educate the fair attendees about the endless possible roles available across the creative industry. Alongside, the careers fair, we ran over 70 individual interactive workshops and talks, where our young creatives and those already working within the industry, could learn new skills and network with industry experts.

“Attending the festival was truly inspiring and enriching for me. From the diverse range of creative showcases to the insightful career workshops, every aspect of the event was meticulously planned and executed. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the sessions and the wealth of knowledge shared by the industry experts and speakers. Moreover, the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and professionals in the creative field was invaluable. I had insightful conversations, gained new perspectives, and made meaningful connections that I believe will have a positive impact on my career moving forward.” Careers Fair attendee 2024

We have a vision for a UK where there are no barriers into the creative sector and for there to be a wealth of opportunity for everyone. The purpose of our FREE careers fair is to provide guidance and opportunities to the next generation of young creatives through pathways and connections into any creative field that inspires them.

We couldn’t do this without your support. If you want to join us at next year’s Creative Careers Fair then please get in touch at [email protected]

22/07/2024

The purpose of the UK Creative Festival is to bring together the whole of the creative industry, from those who have made waves over the years, to those just starting out and eager to make their own mark.

This purpose became reality in our talk, The State of the Nation: The importance of culture in building a more equitable creative sector. This intergenerational discussion on culture, diversity and what the future holds for the creative industry brought together legends of the industry with bright newcomers.

“The conversation rich and authentic, having a diverse range of voices critical and the dialogue was equitable. Having a former member of Young Creators UK (Jonathan Reid) alongside me with one of our current leaders (Nhu Huynh), was quite honestly majestic. I took a moment as they both spoke and charmed the industry, to just acknowledge how powerful that moment truly was. If you ever feel too small to make a change, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito. YCUK was that mosquito. Hearing the insights from Rory Sutherland, Laura Jordan Bambach and Charlene Chandrasekaran was amazing. So much creativity and knowledge, it was inspiring to hear them talk so passionately about new approaches to creativity, work and leadership.

Change may eventually come in waves but it starts with ripples, ripples that disrupt, resonate and build momentum. On this stage, a stage I was nervous but compelled to walk on, i felt we found allies in the industry who, are also creating ripples in their creative pools.” Christoff Taylor, Co-Founder of YCUK

18/07/2024

A selection of pictures from the UK Creative Festival 2024 are now available to download on our website www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk 📸

Hope you enjoy the memories!

17/07/2024

A week ago today we woke up to bright sunshine and day 1 of the UK Creative Festival 2024.

In the days following the festival, Dina Green, the team and I have been totally blown away by the number of wonderful messages we have received from festival attendees telling us how inspired they were by the event and how much they believed in what we are doing.

Our small team have worked hard for the past year to achieve this. We wanted to create something special and the feedback suggests that we have indeed been successful. It makes all the hard work worth while.

One of my favourite quotes is from Christoff Taylor of Young Creators UK, "In a surreal moment I looked around and saw the heads of major national creative companies, industry legends and my team dancing, laughing and sharing joy. It was a beautiful moment. Moments like this, although fleeting, show change is possible, wanted and needed and that it can not only be done but done with authenticity, joy and play."

If you would like to get involved with next year’s event, we would love to hear from you. The UK Creative Festival needs the support of the UK creative community to enable it to exist. Please do get in touch at [email protected]

United together, we really can make a big difference. Thanks Jeremy

09/07/2024

Turning Complexity into Comedy: How Specsavers Make Serious Topics Fun

In this dynamic panel discussion, we delve into the strategic and creative journey of Specsavers. Discover how Specsavers has revolutionized its approach to in-house marketing while sustaining a legacy of humour. Join us to hear insights on the power of creative thinking and purposeful branding in today's ever-evolving marketplace.

📣 Speakers: Liz Baines, Head of Planning, Specsavers Creative and Jazz Gandhi, Co-Founder, Duet London
📍The Ballroom
📅 Thurs 11 July, 15.40

See you in Margate!

08/07/2024

When the UK stepped in to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine in 2022, it became a story of positivity, creativity, music and collaboration, uniting two different nations.

Wed 10 July - We are thrilled to welcome Creative Director - Dan Shipton, Head of Show, Lee Smithurst and Sam Ryder’s, Manager - Lewis Allen to the UK Creative Festival, to talk about how a small creative idea turned into the reality of the UK hosting the competition, and how we should all be using our creativity to make positive change and to influence the wider narrative in these dark, divisive political times.

Tickets are still available for the festival – head to https://bit.ly/UKCFTIXFB to get yours now!

07/07/2024

Get Shi*t Done. So, I've got a Degree, now what?

We are thrilled to announce that Rebecca Rowntree will be bringing her brilliant event to the UK Creative Festival on Thurs 11 July.

She will be interviewing the exceptionally talented Stephen Bowes, Head of Marketing Propositions at Sainsbury's’s and Emma Hopkins, Creative Director of Spotify Advertising and Illustrator, Bee Illustrates.

Rebecca will be diving into their career journeys and uncovering their top tips and advice for bridging the gap between academic achievement and real-world success in marketing, branding and the creative arts.

Whether you a long-time member of the creative industry or looking to start your career this is going to be fascinating. See you in Margate!

06/07/2024

We are excited to announce that the UK Creative Festival x The ERIC App partnership is now 💥 LIVE 💥!!!!!

With an exclusive UKCF section on the app, users in the South East can now see:

🎪 All the exciting workshops, masterclasses, careers talks and other things happening on at the event and register their attendance

💼 All the amazing internships, apprenticeships, free training that the UKCF employer partners are offering the young people coming to the event

📹 All the recorded content from the UKCF 2023 and other helpful careers-related articles and videos they've had in the archives

All in all, there will be HUNDREDS of exciting things our users can get access to through the exclusive UKCF section on the app. Want to have a look? Download the app for free and check it out!!

06/07/2024

Representation from a number of top brands will be in attendance, including Nike, adidas, British Airways, TikTok, John Lewis, Innocent, the Guardian, and Channel4

05/07/2024

Creative marriages that stick – when Russell met Damian

Join award-winning British actor and art collector Russell Tovey for a conversation with Damian Bradfield, Co-Founder of WeTransfer, delving into the mutually beneficial power of long-term alliances between creatives and brands.

As WePresent’s Guest Curator in 2023, Tovey was given the artistic freedom to spotlight q***r artists and some of his lifelong creative heroes who were lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis, culminating in the production of the evocative film "Life is Excellent." The year-long partnership spanned multiple projects, including joint efforts in supporting Magic Breakfast, a UK charity dedicated to ensuring no child is too hungry to learn, demonstrating how creativity can be a catalyst for social good.

Together, they will unpack why artists and brands should join forces to tell important stories and drive meaningful change, what makes a good working relationship – and how to turn a professional meet cute into a long-lasting creative marriage.

This is just one of many incredible conversations that will be happening next week. Don’t miss out – get your ticket NOW at: https://bit.ly/UKCFTIXFB

04/07/2024

Where have all the ‘femverts’ gone?

In the 2010s, a run of ‘femvertising’’ – think Bodyform, This Girl Can, Barbie & Nike – all promised a better world for women. Not just in terms of representation in advertising, but for their potential and possibilities in life. But in the 2020s these examples feel fewer and farther between as women renegotiate their feminism, deal with a rise in right-wing misogyny, and shoulder increased care responsibilities with decreased wages and support.

What are brands to do and say in this new decade to reach women authentically? What tangible impact can brands have on women’s lives on a daily basis? Join us on Wed 10, as we hear from leading brand stewards, social impact experts and creatives as we talk about how they have navigated the new landscape of marketing to and representing women.

Speakers include:
Alaina Crystal, creative strategist behind Barbie and Bodyform
Clemmie Telford, Creative Director, Head of Performance at ITV, ex-Meta, content creator
Debbie T., Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Partnerships Director at Creative Equals
Tom Ghiden, Managing Director at JOAN Creative
Tanja Grubner, Global Marketing Director, Essity

03/07/2024

The UK Creative Festival is proud to announce its official media partner GenBTV - Generation Black TV TV part of BA Diversity Media Inc.

We are extremely excited to announce our partnership with GenBTV - Generation Black TV, the UK's only Black British TV Channel - where the partnership will see a 2 x 1hr specials brought to a global audience. More info on this to come soon!

“We at BA Diversity Media Inc. are thrilled to be collaborating with the UK Creative Festival. We firmly believe that creativity and innovative thinking are the bedrock of success in any industry. This festival, which supercharges the UK's creative sectors and cultivates a culture of bold and ideas-led thinking, is a perfect match for our mission to foster diversity and inclusivity in media. We are especially excited about the Careers Fair, organised by The Creative Foundation. It’s a pivotal opportunity to engage with young black and multi culture creatives, helping them to see the vast opportunities and pathways available in the creative industries. Together, we look forward to inspiring and shaping the future of daring creativity.” Christopher Kenna, CEO, BA Diversity Media Inc

The UK Creative Festival serves as a hub for creatives at every level, from leaders in the industry to aspiring creatives looking for opportunities. It is the only place in the country that brings businesses from every creative industry together to celebrate the world-beating talent in the UK sector. At the heart of the festival is the Creative Careers Fair, hosted by The Creative Foundation, which stands as the country's sole career event exclusively tailored to the creative industries, having welcomed over 2000 students in the past three years alone.

For more info and tickets visit www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk