School of Digital Arts sponsor an event featuring Netflix at Creative Coalition 2020

University academics will explore the future of digital storytelling, sustainability and the viability of virtual alongside leading figures from the UK’s creative industries.

The University’s School of Digital Arts (SODA) also hosts its own event at Creative Coalition 2020 (November 9-11), a three-day virtual event hosted by Creative England and the Creative Industries Foundation featuring household names in British media.

They will discuss how the sector can bounce back from COVID-19 and flourish in the future.

SODA also sponsors its own event at Creative Coalition 2020, welcoming entertainment journalist Boyd Hilton, who will interview Netflix Vice-President Anne Mensah on the culture of content creation.

I am really excited that SODA are part of the inaugural Creative Coalition festival. The events bring together the country’s diverse creative industries to look at what we do best, how we innovate in this current situation, and how we ambitiously redefine our future.

Head of SODA Professor Toby Heys will discuss how creativity is integral to innovation, while SODA’s Reader in Screen Studies Dr Kirsty Fairclough asks ‘is virtual viable?’ for the arts and culture sector as it rebounds from COVID-19. Manchester Fashion Institute’s Dr Patsy Perry discusses how to make sustainability a priority.

The events exemplify how SODA will work hand-in-hand with industry when it opens in September 2021, first supporting the COVID-19 recovery and then creating the next generation of creative talent.

Dr Fairclough said: “I am really excited that SODA are part of the inaugural Creative Coalition festival. The events bring together the country’s diverse creative industries to look at what we do best, how we innovate in this current situation, and how we ambitiously redefine our future.

“Our ambition is to be a leader in digital arts, and through our teaching, research and industry engagement to support the creative sector in its COVID recovery and beyond.”

Dr Perry, Reader in Fashion Marketing at Manchester Fashion Institute,said: “It’s important for Manchester Fashion Institute to be part of this event, as fashion is the largest of the UK’s creative industries and MFI is one of the largest and best fashion schools in the UK spanning design, technology, management and art direction.

“Sustainability needs to be addressed holistically across the industry from design to retail so it is a timely discussion and as creative educators and scholars we have an important role to play in preparing our graduates to build a more sustainable future.”

It’s important for Manchester Fashion Institute to be part of this event, as fashion is the largest of the UK’s creative industries and MFI is one of the largest and best fashion schools in the UK spanning design, technology, management and art direction

Manchester Metropolitan academics join over 200 other leading creative practitioners at the festival, including Academy Award winning director Steve McQueen, spoken word artist George the Poet and speakers from Netflix, Lionsgate, Sky Arts, Channel 4 and more.

Over 60 events are spread over six virtual stages, including live performances, talks, panels, practical workshops and speed networking events.

Caroline Norbury, CEO, Creative England and Creative Industries Federation, said: “There has never been a more important time for our sector to come together to explore the challenges, ideas and opportunities that lie ahead for our world-leading creative industries."