Barbican Creative Hub Showcases Pioneering Approaches Within the Creative and Cultural Industries in New Conference Series

Taking place at the Lincoln Arts Centre, the conference offered multi-disciplinary perspectives on how to embrace innovation, using new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR).

Aimed at those working in creative businesses, freelancers, academics, students, and graduates, the event explored the ways in which Lincolnshire could harness its own unique perspectives to generate new ideas and a positive future.

Engaging keynote presentations and panel discussions gave attendees the opportunity to hear insights from thought-leaders working at the forefront of the creative and cultural industries. Guests included Marc Hanheide – Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Interactive Systems at the University of Lincoln, Sarah Ellis – Director of Digital Development at the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Kishan San – Senior Researcher at Forensic Architecture.

Sukhy Johal MBE, Founder and Director for the Centre of Culture and Creativity at the University of Lincoln, commented: “This series represents an exciting opportunity for our community to come together and reimagine the future of creativity through collaboration and technology. With Lincolnshire’s distinct identity and rich cultural heritage, the possibilities for innovation are limitless.”

Guest speaker, Professor Marc Hanheide said: “To me, the arts and creative sector can serve as a canvas for technological innovation, inspiring us to envision and shape a future beyond today’s constraints.

“Through the lens of creativity, we can explore the transformative potential of Robotics, AI and XR, fostering a new generation of thinkers and makers at the intersection of technology and culture. It’s an open space for inclusive learning and innovation.”

The conference series is funded by Arts Council England as the University of Lincoln is one of just 12 universities in the UK to be part of the National Portfolio of Organisations (NPO). As part of the NPO, the University delivers projects and activities through its cultural assets; Lincoln Arts Centre and Barbican Creative Hub. This recognition, from the foremost agency for creativity and culture, means that the University is considered one of the premier venues for arts and cultural provision in the UK.

The next conference in the series, “Pathways to Tomorrow: What’s Next for Social Prescribing”, will take place on Friday 18 October and tickets are available online: https://lincolnartscentre.co.uk/event/whats-next-for-social-prescribing/.