CreaTech Network 2026: Creativity + AI for Entertainment, Heritage, and Open Tools
10 February 2026 | 15:48 Europe/London
The CreaTech Network series returns in 2026 with three in-person events built for creatives who want real use cases, honest discussion, and new collaborators. This year zeroes in on how AI affects entertainment, cultural heritage, and open-source tools across Greater Manchester and the North West.
Led by Digital Futures with Creative Manchester and the Turing Innovation Catalyst, the series runs from February to June. Expect lightning talks, a panel, and open Q&A at each event-fast, useful, and grounded in practical work. Past programs in 2024 and 2025 covered music, publishing, fashion, and more; 2026 continues that momentum with a tighter focus and clear takeaways.
Who this is for
- Film, TV, animation, and games teams exploring smarter workflows.
- Galleries, libraries, archives, and museums testing AI responsibly.
- Indie creatives and studio leads building with open tools and shared infrastructure.
- Research teams and technologists looking to partner with creative practitioners.
The series at a glance
- Creativity and AI: Entertainment
Thursday 26 February | 14:30 - 17:00
Contact Theatre, Space 0, Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA
Focus: Film, TV, and games. Practical AI in animation, screen production, and creative workflows. Lightning talks → panel → open Q&A. Sign up now - tickets are selling fast. - Creativity and AI: Cultural Heritage
Thursday 30 April | 14:30 - 17:00
Focus: How galleries, libraries, archives, and museums use AI. Data practice, ethics, and partnership models. Tickets available. - Creativity and AI: Free and Open-source AI Tools and Platforms
Thursday 25 June | 14:30 - 17:00
Focus: Open tooling for collaboration and shared innovation across creative work. Tickets available.
What you'll take away
- Real examples of AI in production, from asset creation to post workflows.
- Ways to speed up repetitive tasks without losing creative intent.
- Clear thinking on data, attribution, IP, and consent in heritage projects.
- How open-source tools can cut costs, boost interoperability, and invite co-creation.
- New collaborators across academia, studios, and cultural institutions.
How to get the most value
- Bring one current project or pipeline problem you want to improve.
- Write three questions in advance (technical, creative, or ethical) to ask in the Q&A.
- Note any data sensitivities (rights, provenance, licensing) for heritage use cases.
- Pick one workflow to test within a week after the event and set a simple success metric.
- Swap contact details and book a follow-up with at least one speaker or attendee.
Helpful context on open tools
If you're comparing licenses or thinking about governance, the Open Source Initiative offers clear guidance on approved open-source licenses. For model hubs, datasets, and community projects, explore Hugging Face to see how others build and share AI components.
Next steps
- Reserve your spot early. Sessions are in person and seats are limited.
- Invite a collaborator from a different discipline-fresh perspectives lead to better ideas.
- Plan a post-event test sprint to apply what you learn while it's fresh.
Want structured practice before you attend? Explore practical courses and tools for creatives: AI Learning Path for UX/UI Designers and AI for PR & Communications.
Your membership also unlocks:
