Dr Claire Taylor (Deputy Vice Chancellor)
Professor Alec Shepley (Head of School of Creative Arts)
Dr Taylor and Prof Shepley gave the annual welcoming address to the title of “Everything you wanted to know about a creative future (But were afraid to ask)” This would be the theme for the day.
One thing that was said that caught my attention was that the creative industries generates £36 billion (yes, BILLION) every year That’s £70,000 per minute for the United Kingdoms’ economy. It stuck in my mind because I thought to myself “Well I want a piece of that pie thank you very much sir!”
Following the address was Mike Corcoran leading a panel discussion with:
Tamara Harvey (Theatre Clwyd)
Jo Marsh ( ORIEL Wrexham)
Andy Cheetham (CheethamBell)
Alfredo Cremerotti (MOSTYN)
Each of the panelists had ten minutes to talk about their journey through the creative industry.
First up was Gareth Jones who is a co-founder of “WelshICE”. an organisation which opens up spaces for creatives who are either just starting out or to anyone in the industry that wants to start a business. This gives everyone the opportunity to collaborate and get to know one and other. From Graphic Designers and Game Designers to Musicians, the whole of the creative industries is covered. Based in Caerphilly the company is growing. Gareth mentioned that they would soon be opening spaces in the Wrexham area, which will open many doors for many students in the local region of North Wales.