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The CreaTech Network series returns in 2026, led by\u00a0<\/span>Digital Futures<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0in collaboration with\u00a0<\/span>Creative Manchester<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span>Turing Innovation Catalyst<\/u><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0This 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.<\/span><\/p>\n The theme of this year\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious about what\u2019s coming in 2026, take a look back at previous CreaTech Network events from\u00a0<\/span>2024<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>2025<\/u><\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Creativity and AI: Entertainment<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f\ud83d\udd52\u00a0Thursday 26 February l\u00a0 14:30 – 17:00\u00a0<\/span> The first event of the\u00a02026 CreaTech Network Series\u00a0will 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Hear from academic and industry speakers in short lightning talks,\u00a0followed by a panel session and an open Q&A inviting audience participation.<\/span><\/p>\n Sign up now \u2013 tickets are selling fast<\/u><\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n Creativity and AI: Cultural Heritage<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f\ud83d\udd52\u00a0Thursday 30 April\u00a0 l\u00a0 14:30 – 17:00\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd17Tickets available<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Creativity and AI: Free and Open-source AI Tools and Platforms<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f\ud83d\udd52\u00a0Thursday 25 June\u00a0 l\u00a0 14:30 – 17:00\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd17Tickets available<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udccdContact Theatre, Space 0, Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA<\/span><\/p>\n