University event celebrates the Creative Industries

Creative Futures 2026, organised by the School for the Creative Industries, was held at Creative Campus, Kingsway. The annual industry-focused event sees professionals giving talks and workshops, available to all students in the School.

This year, the packed schedule included a wide range of sessions, including learning about the impact of AI, an art-based dance workshop, setting up a photography gallery and finding out about early career pathways with the BBC. Every day, students had amazing opportunities to find out more about different creative roles and careers from professionals in their subject fields.

As in previous years, the alumni panel morning proved popular, with former students speaking about how they took diverse career paths into industry.

Award-winning writer of poetry and creative non-fiction and UoC graduate Jake Morris-Campbell, was invited to speak on the English and Creative Writing Alumni panel. He said: “I thought my fellow panellists were really interesting and we covered some good ground. Excellent contributions and questions from the students, too and there was a lovely buzz about the place.”

Freelance journalist and content creator Lauren Duffy, who specialises in social impact storytelling and investigative-led features, spoke to students alongside fellow media graduates. She said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to be a part of the Creative Futures panel, reflecting on my career in journalism and media since graduating. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to hear first-hand industry experience from panellists from a range of different areas in the industry.” 

High-end TV Executive Producer Tom Sherry gave a talk to a packed-out lecture theatre on his career in television drama production, answering questions from students about how to pursue a career in this dynamic and competitive industry and discussing his work on some major shows, including the BAFTA award-winning BBC mini-series Time.

Speaking after the event, Tom said: “I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the event. The students were so engaged, with enthusiastic intelligent questions.” Many of the students stayed at the end of the session to ask a few more.

The University’s Careers team delivered several sessions, including supporting students to understand and express their ‘why’, to better understand how to articulate their strengths and skills and create their own opportunities. To ensure students had a focus on their wellbeing as well as their career aspirations, the careers team also offered a sold-out session which involved participants creating a dog toy!

Third year students from the Division of Communication, Screen and Performance were involved in the running of Creative Futures, with Music student Marie performing an acoustic set in the canteen for attendees, while others carried out roles including producing video and audio recordings, reception duties, writing content to promote the event, creating this year’s distinct event logo and social media content creation.

Third year Media and Television Production student Amelia said: “My role in guest liaison across the Creative Futures schedule also helped me become more confident with speaking to guests, staying organised and supporting the event in a professional way." 

One of the event organisers, Caroline Ford, Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Media and Television Production, added: “I was incredibly impressed with our third year students from the Developing Professional Practice module, who all adopted a role for the event, from question writing and assisting staff at panel sessions to creating Instagram posts.

“These students were crucial to the success of Creative Futures 2026. Assisting with the event gave them all an opportunity to develop their professional skills, with the aim of helping them transition from University of Chester students to graduates.”