MediaCity Campus

Join us for two exclusive immersive previews:

Red Field - Explore Mars colonisation through an interactive artwork by internationally renowned artist Nye Thompson and creative technologist Kriss Dunk. Experience this unique prototype in the Development Lab, developed as part of MediaCity's Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub in collaboration with FutureEverything and Quays Culture. Drop in to the Development Lab on the Ground Floor.

Quantum - Immerse yourself in Richard Evans’ AI-focused sound and light performance, produced by Cold Star Media. This innovative show features hologram-style projections, volumetric 3D animations, and live electronic music, exploring the future of artificial intelligence and synthetic life in a theatricalised space. Demos at 4pm and 5pm. Booking advised. Located in the Foyer of the University of Salford building.

Session presented by University of Salford

Hot House, MediaCity

dock10, the UK’s leading television facility and home to many popular shows, invites you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at MediaCity. Renowned for its state-of-the-art studios and post-production services, dock10 partners with broadcasters and production companies to deliver award-winning content.
On this 45 min tour, you'll explore dock10’s groundbreaking work in AI and real-time animation is transforming live TV lighting by merging physical and virtual environments using AI.

Session presented by dock10

Hot House, MediaCity

Discover the future of innovation at MediaCity’s Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH). This showcase features pioneering work in virtual and augmented reality, virtual production for film and TV, and gaming, illustrating how immersive tech is reshaping industries like Esports.

Meet the MITIH team and Greater Manchester innovators, and explore AI, spatial, and virtual production prototypes developed with Innovate UK funding, plus projects from the DreamLab community. Don’t miss this chance to experience how immersive technology is transforming business and entertainment!

Session presented by MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub

The LowryJames Dunn Classroom

A multi award-winning one-on-one mixed reality artwork in the intersection of disability arts, XR technology and mental health nursing. Within Touching Distance combines a VR experience with a caring choreography of touch by a live performer.
Part of a wider research in arts and health exploring the potential of empathy and touch in therapeutic and healthcare training settings.

This is a 35 minute one-on-one live performance with limited capacity at various times Monday to Wednesday, book your slot early to avoid disappointment. Tickets

Hot House, MediaCity

This panel, featuring Marie-Claire Daly, Head of Culture, will introduce the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Culture Strategy. Learn about the exciting long-term plans shaping the future of our ‘Creative Cities’ within Greater Manchester. Discover funding opportunities and find out how your business or research project can thrive in our vibrant region with support from the GM Business Growth Hub and its partners.

Session presented by GM Business Growth Hub

Marie-Claire Daly, Head of Culture, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Ian S Dixon, Head of Access to Finance, GM Business Growth Hub

Joe Heys, Senior Policy Officer - Culture & Night Time Economy, GMCA

Eloise Perrot, Business Development Executive- Creative, Digital and Tech, MIDAS

Rebecca Swarray, Senior Policy Officer - Culture and Creative Policy, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Various

Join AIX Live for a series of drop-in sessions where they will share their vision to develop a new platform for the distribution of live, immersive experiences.

**Monday 25th - Throughout the day 15:00 – 20:00, Hot House **
AIX Live & CoSTAR Realtime Lab (University of Abertay) 
Present Greater Manchester Vs Scotland – the ultimate music quiz with BBC 6Music’s Chris Hawkins 
 
An interactive music quiz connecting audiences from Salford and Dundee over a private 5G network utilising gameplay technology from Manchester-based Piing. 
 
This public experiment is part of wider R&D between AIX and CoSTAR Realtime Lab exploring how 5G technology can address issues like system latency and synchronisation for presentation of immersive experiences funded by Tay 5G a Tay Cities Region Deal in collaboration with the Scotland 5G Centre. 
 
Tuesday 26th - Drop in: 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm
AIX Live Test Lab – 1st Floor Quayside (3 mins walk from Lowry)
Each session will last around 30mins – no need to book just drop in

Wednesday 27th - Drop in: 10:00am, 11:30pm, 1pm.
AIX Live Test Lab – 1st Floor Quayside (3 mins walk from Lowry)

1st Floor Quayside, MediaCity, M50 3AH 

Hot House, MediaCity

Join top industry experts, R&D specialists, and creatives from the BBC, dock10, University of Salford, and MediaCity’s Immersive Technology Innovation Hub for an inspiring evening of talks, performances, and networking. Hosted by award-winning broadcaster and BEYOND’s host, Nihal Arthanayake, the event showcases work from Supermassive, a Salford Minecraft world by artist Adam Hart, and DJ sets from Pops Roberts of Lovescene. Experience performances from Drift, Manchester’s underground art collective, blending music, movement, and digital art. Enjoy music, refreshments, and vibrant creative energy throughout the evening until 9pm.

Session presented by Salford City Council, The University of Salford, MediaCity, GM Business Growth Hub and MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub.

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Adam Hart, Lecturer in Music Technology, University of Salford, Manchester

Rebecca Swarray, Senior Policy Officer - Culture and Creative Policy, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Beyond Info Desk @ Pier 8

Registration is open from 8.30am. Please arrive with plenty of time to check in and collect your delegate badge. Tea and coffee and delegate cloakroom will be available on arrival.

Quays Theatre

Welcome from our host Nihal Arthanayake

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Quays Theatre

A short talk from Laia Gasch who leads the World Cities Culture forum, a global network of cities dedicated to advancing creativity in urban environments.

Laia Gasch, Director, World Cities Culture Forum

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Montreal's thriving digital economy has made it one of the leading global centres in the sector, attracting major international companies with its vibrant arts and culture scene and comprehensive ecosystem of talent development, research centres and showcasing. This panel will examine the interplay of policies, initiatives and cultural dynamics that have shaped Montreal's creative landscape and offer insights into its continued growth as a creative hub.

Hilary Knight, Cultural Consultant

Rachel Parent, Co-Executive Director, Hub Montreal

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Local creatives share insights on how city living influences their work and inspires their creative journeys. This short talk will explore the dynamic interplay between urban spaces and creativity—discovering how cities shape ideas, fuel innovation, and impact the way work is made and experienced.

Corey (aka Superlative) Brown, Rapper / Music Producer

Keisha Thompson, Independent Artist / Producer

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham has been a driving force behind the regions rise as creative powerhouse. A strong advocate for creativity as a catalyst for urban growth and social change, he will share his thoughts on the role of culture in shaping cities.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

How are successful cultural institutions engineered? What role do they play in urban and regional development, and how do they continuously re-energise their relationships with audiences, communities and the city? Julia Fawcett, longstanding CEO of The Lowry, and Christine Cort, co-founder of Manchester International Festival, reflect on their central roles in the cultural trajectories of Salford and Manchester.

Iain Bennett, Director, The Fifth Sector

Christine Cort, Company Director, CC & Friends

Julia Fawcett, CEO, The Lowry

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

This session explores strategies for building a thriving cross-disciplinary ecosystem that integrates art, culture, science, and technology to drive innovation and creativity in the world’s fastest-growing tech city.

Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director, Science Gallery Bengaluru

Watch "On Demand"

Compass Room

The Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases feature outputs from creative research-led projects exploring new and novel ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in creative technologies.

Compass RoomPier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND Expo in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Hexagon Room

How are city ecosystems of artists, cultural spaces, and creative communities changing cultural perceptions of technologies, inspiring new digital aesthetics, and decentralising sites of digital innovation? This session will also share insight from two recent research reports commissioned by the British Council on Arts & Technologies in ASEAN and in India.

Session Presented by the British Council

Hannah Andrews, Director of Digital Innovation (Arts), British Council

Zune Htet, 3D artist

Kamya Ramachandran, Founder-Director, BeFantastic

Werasak Surareungchai, Director, FreakLab

Quays Theatre

How does a city work at the local scale to build a creative workforce? This panel will look at how a city can create training routes and opportunities that respond to creative sector needs and broaden access to creative careers.

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Joanne Dunn, Founder / Director, Marion Centre of Excellence

Andy Miah, Chair of Science Communication & Future Media, University of Salford, Manchester

Kiran Sethi, Programme Manager, Factory International

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Manchester’s influential music scene has made a lasting impact worldwide. We explore how the region’s music venues, media and talent can defend its future as a music city in the face of rapid urban development and increasing pressures on the industry.

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor, BBC, Pop Music Television

Santana Guerout, Chief Programming Officer, Band on the Wall / Inner City Music

Jay Taylor, England National Coordinator, Music Venue Trust

Watch "On Demand"

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND Expo in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Pier 8 Room

The Ida network's meet-up is the perfect place to meet other like minded people and connect with your community. If you identify as a woman, a non-binary person or trans please join us!
We aim to make this space as welcoming and inclusive as possible. Our meet-ups are informal and friendly, whether you're new to the industry or not so new. We hope this is a space where you can come and connect with the growing community, build your contacts and your confidence.

Session presented by IDA XR Studio

Victoria Eyton, Co-Founder, Ida XR Studio

Leah Kurta, Co-Founder, IDA XR Studio

Aldridge Studio 3

An in-depth session with the project leads from Niantic and Sugar Creative as they discuss the future possibilities of location-based AR storytelling. Join the discussion and quiz our panellists on the approaches, technical and narrative challenges of delivering the project.

Joe Gabriel, Sr. Developer Relations Lead, Niantic

Will Humphrey, Creative Director, Sugar Creative Studio

Tasha Moorhouse, Innovation Specialist - Digital, GM Business Growth Hub

Hexagon Room

Building on the insights from the Skills and the City main stage session, this deep-dive workshop, led by Dan Wallman, offers a unique opportunity for structured roundtable collaboration. Join to contribute to the creation of actionable strategies aimed at nurturing talent, enhancing skills, and promoting inclusion—key drivers of vibrant, creative cities.

Dan Wallman, Founder, TechNative Digital

Aldridge Studio 1

Join us for a roundtable session to hear insight from creative leaders who are making opportunities for new creative practice, spaces and experiences in cities that respond to urgent global challenges. This deep dive dialogue will explore what development in cities can mean from different perspectives; community, well-being, sustainability and what the role of the creative and cultural industries is in addressing this intersectionality. How can we be responsive to the needs of our location and our communities, as well as the needs of the planet? How can we think creatively and innovatively about how economies develop in new ways, and not in isolation, embracing more holistic and inclusive models that prioritise local value and long term approaches to prosperity and well-being.

Session Presented by the British Council

Mariana Aymerich, General Director, Festival Internacional Cervantino

Hector (aka Xquizified) Dibakoane, Cultural Curator and Storyteller, Makers Valley

Jacob Ellis, Director of External Relations and Culture, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

Sarah Giles, Director, Culture, British Council

Genevieve Pace, Senior Relationship Manager, Creative Economy, British Council

Natalia Palombo, Director, Many Studios / Freelance

Quays Theatre

Discover the "Silicon Savannah" through the lens of BlackRhino VR, a trailblazing creative technology hub. At the heart of Nairobi, a phygital revolution is emerging, where culture, creativity, and technology converge to transform how people live, work, and connect. This remarkable transformation is reshaping local culture in profound and unprecedented ways.

Brian Afande, CEO, BlackRhino VR

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Uncover the bold vision and pivotal moments that have shaped media hubs like Bergen and Salford. Learn how these creative powerhouses measure success and embed innovation at their core. Then, take a glimpse into the future of media cities as cutting-edge technology drives the next wave of transformation.

Martyn Evans, Creative Director, Landsec & MediaCity

Marlen Komorowski, Senior Research Fellow, Cardiff University

Ketil Moland Olsen, Senior Project Manager, Media Cluster Norway

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Join Dr. Catherine Baker as she shares key insights from her research on international relations and mega-events. Discover the role of cultural relations in shaping these global events and learn valuable lessons from past successes like Eurovision 2023 and Hull City of Culture.

Catherine Baker, Reader in 20th Century History, University of Hull

Watch "On Demand"

Compass RoomPier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND Expo in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Aldridge Studio 1

What do we need to ensure the legacy of mega-events, from Eurovision to UK Cities of Culture? Join us for a roundtable where we will explore what conditions need to be in place to secure the legacy after a mega-event, how you measure the success of an event for different stakeholders, and what the best practices are in planning for success. We will also take a look at the future for cultural events and cultural wraparound of major sporting events.

Session Presented by the British Council

Catherine Baker, Reader in 20th Century History, University of Hull

Graeme Farrow, Chief Creative and Content Officer, Wales Millennium Centre

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford City of Culture

Ruth Hollis, Chief Executive, Spirit of 2012

Ian Thomas, Head of Evidence, British Council

Anastasiya Volkova, Head of Art Programmes, Ukrainian Institute

Hexagon Room

The global immersive sector is valued at $40.8 billion and is expected to grow by nearly 30% annually from 2025 to 2030. But what policy support does the UK sector need to achieve this growth, and what other measures of prosperity should we consider to ensure broad industry well-being?
Join us for a lively discussion on the health of the immersive sector, covering topics like work culture, automation, AI, and job security. We’ll explore how these factors affect industry prosperity, especially for marginalised groups. This will be an inclusive conversation, and we encourage participation from underrepresented voices as we examine the evidence needed for equitable policy interventions.

Sarah Atkinson, Professor of Screen Media, King’s College London

Leah Kurta, Co-Founder, IDA XR Studio

Kady Marriott, Associate Partner, WithYouWithMe

Nicalia ThompSon, Co-Founder, Black XR Network

Sara Whybrew, Director of Skills and Workforce Development, BFI

Quays Theatre

When it comes to articulating the value of creativity, conventional models of economic growth only give us part of the picture. In this panel, global creative leaders explore alternative integrated models that prioritise local value and a long-term approach to inclusive prosperity and wellbeing for urban populations. What happens when we reimagine our cities through the lens of a people-centred approach? What role does innovation play in the cultural needs of communities, and how can creative initiatives support inclusive sustainable growth?

Hector (aka Xquizified) Dibakoane, Cultural Curator and Storyteller, Makers Valley

Moky Makura, Executive Director, Africa No Filter

Natalia Palombo, Director, Many Studios / Freelance

Katie Popperwell, Chair of Manchester City of Literature, CET / Freelance

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Join a fireside chat with the project leads from Niantic and Sugar Creative as they discuss their groundbreaking AR city-scale heritage experience. Using game assets from Assassin’s Creed, this project brings Winchester’s Viking past to life on city streets, showcasing the future possibilities of heritage location-based AR storytelling.

Joe Gabriel, Sr. Developer Relations Lead, Niantic

Will Humphrey, Creative Director, Sugar Creative Studio

Tasha Moorhouse, Innovation Specialist - Digital, GM Business Growth Hub

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

With the UK’s 'modern' industrial strategy recognising the Creative Industries as a key growth sector, what role does the government envision for our Creative Cities? And how would cities respond if innovation funding were withdrawn? Join our panel to discuss whether Cities, Regions, or Creative Corridors are the optimal path forward, or if the true opportunities lie in unlocking the talent, youth, and creativity within our urban areas. With policy still in the consultation phase, engage with a dynamic panel that brings diverse perspectives on creative-led city growth.

Tom Adeyoola, Tech Entrepreneur, Extend Ventures

Andrew Chitty, Professor of Creativity & Innovation, Loughborough University London

Jude Kelly, CEO and Founder, The WOW Foundation

Kate Tague, Chief Executive Officer, BOA Group

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Paul Dennett, the Mayor of our host city of Salford, reflects on the BEYOND Creative Cities programme

Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, Salford City Council

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Our poet-in-residence, Keisha Thompson, weaves her observations of Day 01 of BEYOND into verse

Keisha Thompson, Independent Artist / Producer

Watch "On Demand"

Quays Theatre

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Pier 8 Room

The BlackXRNetwork (BXRN) UK was established to create a platform for professional Black creatives and XR enthusiasts to connect, collaborate and share knowledge through a host of networking events, mentoring programs, speaker series, and workshops. Join us on ‘Day One’ of BEYOND 2024 at our mixer, where there will be networking and a talk from one of our incredible and inspiring members!

Session Presented by the BlackXRNetwork

Tara Collingwoode-Williams, Co-Founder, Black XR Network

Compass Room

Kargo

Informal networking in local food hall. Special drink offers available for BEYOND delegates.

AIX LIVE Test Lab

NØELLE is a Welsh-Ukrainian immersive hyperpop artist and producer who's recent work focuses on pushing the bounds of live electronic performance through her use of Spatial Audio, AV and augmented reality interwoven into her live music performances.
 
Experience the melding of immersive visuals, spatial audio and live performance in these special showcase performances taking place across the evening. 
 
Each performance will last approximately 20 mins - no need to book just drop in. 
 

• Performance 1: 7:30pm 
• Performance 2: 8:00pm 
• Performance 3: 8:30pm 
• Performance 4: 9:00pm 
   
  AIX Live Test Lab is located on 1st Floor Quayside, MediaCity, M50 3AH  (3 mins walk from Lowry)  

Beyond Info Desk @ Pier 8

Registration is open from 9.00am. Please arrive with plenty of time to check in and collect your delegate badge. Tea and coffee and delegate cloakroom will be available on arrival.

Quays Theatre

Discover the Arts and Humanities Research Council's (AHRC) expansive portfolio of investments across the creative industries and be among the first to hear about groundbreaking flagship programmes and upcoming funding opportunities.

This session will illuminate UKRI’s pivotal role in nurturing the UK’s creative economy, fostering creative clusters, and shaping vibrant creative cities.

Following a ministerial address, this session will include a panel on commercialisation featuring renowned speakers from across the public and private sector. We will explore the opportunities and challenges of: commercialising creative products and services; accessing investment as a creative business in the UK; and building a networked and sustainable creative economy.

The session will close with announcements of new opportunities from across UKRI’s portfolio, with updates from CoSTAR, AHRC and Innovate UK.

Programme continues after the break

Patrick Bradley, Managing Partner, Station 12

Emma Cooper, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Creative Industries, Innovate UK Business Connect

Fiona Kilkelly, Head of Enterprise & Commercialisation, CoSTAR National Lab

Jonathan Lloyd, Co-founder and CEO, CGHero

Laura Partridge, Associate Director, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Compass Room

The Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases feature outputs from creative research-led projects exploring new and novel ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in creative technologies. Open until 5pm

Aldridge Studio 1

The UK is at the forefront of pioneering innovations  in live performance.  Productions including the Royal Shakespeare Company’s DREAM and The Tempest, and Abba Voyage used immersive technologies to transform the way we experience live performance, responding to audience desires for deeper, more engaged experiences. Drawing from experience in theatre, music, TV, film, branding and advertising, our panel will explore key questions including: How can we continue  to push the boundaries of live immersive performance? ​What does demand for live immersive experiences look like? And where will we be in ten years?

Session presented by XR Network+

Sarah Brin, Creative Technology Consultant, Sarah Brin Consulting Services

Helena Daffern, Professor in Music Technology, The University of York

Sarah Ellis, Director of Digital Development, Royal Shakespeare Company

Ruth Mariner, Creative Director / Narrative Designer

Robyn Winfield-Smith, Founder-Director, Liminal Stage Productions

Aldridge Studio 2

Creative businesses emerging from our R&D programmes require a unique approach to develop essential capabilities. Traditional methods, or those adapted from Silicon Valley, fall short as they overlook the distinctive nature of creative enterprises. Gill Wildman from Upstarter, with 30 years’ experience in design and innovation for tech companies, has developed a specialised approach to equip creative entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive on their own terms. This session explores her creative-led business development method, showcasing impact stories, techniques, and practical takeaways to apply these insights to your own projects and programmes.

Session presented by Upstarter

Gill Wildman, Director, Upstarter

Hexagon Room

Join the Museums in the Metaverse team to explore how immersive technology is transforming access to cultural heritage. Through a prototype demonstration, discover how 3D models of heritage objects enhance our understanding and experience of rare collections. Learn how this technology creates new opportunities for storytelling and cultural exchange that transcend physical limitations. The session will also spark discussion on how immersive technology can promote equality, diversity, and inclusion by breaking down barriers and expanding access to cultural heritage.
Find out more: Museum in the Metaverse Trailer

Session presented by University of Glasgow

Pauline Mackay, Co-Investigator: Museums in the Metaverse, University of Glasgow

Neil McDonnell, Professor of Philosophy and XR Technology, University of Glasgow

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND Expo in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Quays Theatre

Delve deeper into AHRC’s expansive creative economy portfolio in this captivating second half of the morning session. A diverse panel of experts will share their unique perspectives on what constitutes a creative city, offering insights into how their cutting-edge research and innovations are fostering vibrant urban creative ecosystems.

Learn about the Immersive Arts programme, what’s happening within the Future Observatory and be the first to hear more details about the next two AHRC Creative Industry Clusters, plus lots more.

Rebecca Madgin, Professor of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow

Verity McIntosh, Associate Professor of Virtual & Extended Realities, University of the West of England

Jo Patterson, Professor, Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University

Navtej Purewal, Professor of Anticolonial and Decolonial Politics and Praxes, University of the Arts London

Paul Rodgers, Professor of Design, University of Strathclyde

Melanie Woods, Chair of Creative Intelligence, University of Dundee

Lamberto Coccioli, Professor of Music and Technology, Birmingham City University

Hexagon Room

Discover The New Real Magazine’s second edition, Planetary Futures: AI, Arts and the Environment, from The University of Edinburgh’s hub for AI, creativity, and futures research. This open-source journal brings together leading creatives, technologists, and academics to explore the intersection of environmental sustainability and digital innovation.

The launch event also features an exclusive preview of new commissioned work by interdisciplinary artist Kasia Molga, highlighting AI’s role in preserving memory and shaping our planet’s future. Join us to engage with critical insights and pioneering innovations at this inspiring event.

Session presented by The New Real

Courtney Bates, Project Manager, The New Real

Matjaz Vidmar, Deputy Director, The New Real

Aldridge Studio 1

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities for businesses, improving both productivity and competitiveness. However, the process of adopting AI technology presents several challenges. Join a panel led by Sara El-Hanfy, Head of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at Innovate UK as they discuss their experiences navigating the AI journey and how to go about implementing reliable AI solutions.

Session presented by Innovate UK - Bridge AI

Anya Elvin, Optical Systems Analyst, Aralia Systems Ltd

Guy Gadney, Founder & CEO, Charisma.ai

Sara El-Hanfy, Head of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Innovate UK

Nadin Kokciyan, Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh

Winn Faria, Creative Industries Lead, BridgeAI, IUKBC

Aldridge Studio 3

Join the team behind Our Heritage, Our Stories: Linking and searching community-generated digital content to develop the people’s national collection. This Discovery Research Project is taking crucial steps toward creating a unified virtual ‘national collection,’ breaking down barriers between collections and opening up UK heritage to the world.
Our Heritage, Our Stories leverages innovative methods from cultural heritage, humanities, and computer science to enhance linking and discoverability across Community-Generated Digital Content. Through co-designed, advanced automated tools, it enables seamless searching and connectivity.

This session is presented by Creative Manchester

Hannah Barker, Co-Investigator - Our Heritage, Our Stories, University of Manchester

Lorna Hughes, Professor, Digital Humanities and Dean for Global Engagement, University of Glasgow

Goran Nenadic, Co-Investigator - Our Heritage, Our Stories, University of Manchester

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND Expo in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Pier 8 Room

Join Ceri Hand for a one-hour Art Surgery session where you can share your creative challenges and get expert guidance tailored to the realities of the arts world. This interactive session combines rapid-fire Q&A with in-depth answers to address as many of your questions as possible. Whether you're an emerging artist, established creative, or arts leader, you’ll gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives on thriving in a competitive and ever-evolving field.

Session Presented by Ceri Hand Ltd

Ceri Hand, Founder and Managing Director, Ceri Hand Ltd

Hexagon Room

An inspiring talk and panel about super-charging green media production in Wales and beyond featuring guest speakers from cutting edge projects, industry and academia.
Featuring insights on research and development projects Clwstwr (AHRC Funded Creative Industries Programme), Media Cymru (UKRI Strength in Places Fund Programme), and implementing the BFI funded BAFTA Albert Screen New Deal Transformation Plan for Wales as a pilot capital city region.

Session presented by Media Cymru.

Tilly Ashton, Sustainability Consultant, Severn Screen

Justin Lewis, Director, Media Cymru

Greg Mothersdale, Producer, Media Cymru

April Sotomayor, Head of Industry Sustainability, BAFTA albert

Lee Walters, Chief Executive Officer, Ffilm Cymru Wales

Aldridge Studio 1

This session will explore the use of creative industry skills and practices to challenge issues of systemic class inequality in post-conflict Northern Ireland. The Skills for Urban and Rural Futures (S.U.R.F.) programme will be showcased, with a local activist explaining how this programme offers new frameworks of possibility for those involved.

Session presented by Future Screens NI

Joanne Dunn, Founder / Director, Marion Centre of Excellence

Paul Moore, Director, Future Screens NI

Quays BarPier 8 Restaurant

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND Expo in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Quays Theatre

This live performance session will showcase a new tool for remote digital dance composition and collaboration. The tool integrates two existing platforms—Alexander Whitley Dance Company’s ‘Otmo’ app and Goldsmiths’ Mocap Streamer—allowing choreographers and dancers to work together in real time, even remotely. With a user-friendly interface, the tool streams motion capture data to any location, enabling instant visualisation and manipulation of avatars and choreographic effects, revolutionising the way dance can be created without physical co-presence.

Presented by XR Network+

Daniel Strutt, Senior Lecturer, Goldsmiths, University of London

Alexander Whitley, Artistic Director, Alexander Whitley Dance Company

Watch "On Demand"