Pictured above: Highlights of the 2019 Oxfordshire Creative Industries Showcase
Following a three-year gap due to the pandemic, the Oxfordshire Creative Industries Showcase will return later this month with the event set to highlight one of the most-vibrant and successful sectors in the county.
Jointly-led by OxLEP and Oxford Brookes University, the event is heading back to the university’s Headington campus on 21 June, where the first showcase was held in the summer of 2019.
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.
A number of high-profile companies and key figures working within the sector are set to lead several panel discussions, with dozens of visitors anticipated to attend between 10am and 4.30pm.
People can still register to attend this free event, via OxLEP’s website, which also gives details of sessions and activities throughout the day.
WATCH AGAIN: A look back on the 2019 Oxfordshire Creative Industries Showcase
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 Traveri Gennari, Professor of Cinema Studies – Research Lead for the School of Arts, at Oxford Brookes University, added: “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 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.”
Find out more on the Oxfordshire Creative Industries Showcase and sign-up to attend
