The CreaTech Network series returns in 2026, led by Digital Futures in collaboration with Creative Manchester and the Turing Innovation Catalyst. This three-part event series, running between February and June 2026, is designed to strengthen connections across the CreaTech ecosystem in Greater Manchester and the North West, and to support collaboration between the University and the wider creative and cultural industries community.
The theme of this year’s series is Creativity and AI, exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping creative and cultural practice. Across a series of in-person events, the programme brings together researchers, creatives, technologists, and industry partners to examine emerging opportunities and challenges. The 2026 series will focus on AI in entertainment, cultural heritage, and free and open-source tools.
If you’re curious about what’s coming in 2026, take a look back at previous CreaTech Network events from 2024 and 2025, which explored AI across music, publishing, fashion, and other creative areas. Those past programmes show the exciting mix of ideas, collaborations, and experiments that have shaped the Network and give a hint of the conversations and creativity to expect this year.
See below for the the full list of 2026 CreaTech Network Series events.
Creativity and AI: Entertainment – Contact Theatre, Contact Theatre, Space 0, Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA. Thursday 26th February 2026 (2.30 – 5.00pm).
The first event of the 2026 CreaTech Network Series will focus on how AI is currently being used across the entertainment sector, particularly in film, television and games. It will look at practical uses of AI in areas such as animation, screen production and creative workflows, alongside some of the challenges this raises for creative practice. Hear from academic and industry speakers in short lightning talks, followed by a panel session and open Q&A inviting audience participation.
Creativity and AI: Cultural Heritage – Venue TBC. Thursday 30th April 2026 (2.30 – 5.00pm).
The growing use of AI in cultural heritage raises important questions around data, ethics and partnership. This event examines how galleries, libraries, archives and museums are working with AI, and the implications for practice.
Creativity and AI: Free and Open-source AI Tools and Platforms – Venue TBC. Thursday 25th June 2026 (2.30 – 5.00pm).
What role do free and open-source AI tools play in creative and cultural practice today? This event examines how open technologies enable collaboration and shared innovation.
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