Lancaster University AI event to provide creative industry forum

Imagination Lancaster, the design-led research laboratory at Lancaster University, and Wash Studio, of Preston, will host a special event focussing on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the creative industries in the North West of England.

The free full-day event, running from 10am to 5pm on September 20, 2023, at Lancaster Institute for Contemporary Arts (LICA) at Lancaster University, will include speakers from the BBC, University of Edinburgh, Oxford University and the University of Nottingham as well as a number of representatives from the wider creative industries across film, TV, design, advertising, marketing, architecture, music and performance.

Wash Studio creative director Andy Walmsley said: “AI is probably one of the hottest topics in the world right now. In the creative industries, many are asking is this the end for our industry – a time for panic – or just the start of a new adventure?

“As AI continues to reshape the landscape of creative work, this event will provide a forum for discussion, exploring the future of the creative industries in the North West, as we wake up to this new era.

“The event will offer an opportunity for creatives to collaborate, learn from each other, and engage in debate, so that together we can explore how we navigate the evolving landscape, retain our unique creative voice and capitalise on the new possibilities for creative expression.”

Professor Rachel Cooper, of Lancaster University said: “AI is driving so much change, presenting challenges and opportunities, we need to work together the navigate the journey and indeed lead the debates and potential policy and regulatory issues, as well as support the creative economy in the North West. We are pleased to host this summit.”