Greater Manchester’s creative industries to come together for landmark free event

• Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh, iconic Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow and broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake among speakers
• Full-day programme from 10am to 8pm on Thursday (30 April) at New Century Hall, with highlights including a live art battle, a fashion showcase from Black Creative Trailblazers, plus DJs and music in the evening
• Event shaped by feedback from more than 600 creatives across Greater Manchester

A major new event focused on supporting Greater Manchester’s creative sector is coming to Manchester next week, bringing together hundreds of freelancers, businesses and industry leaders alongside high-profile names from across the creative industries.

The Greater Manchester Creative Industries Exchange has been organised by GM Business Growth Hub in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Taking place on Thursday 30 April at New Century Hall, in Manchester’s NOMA district, it is open to creatives working across all sub-sectors of the creative industries, including music, film and TV, art and design, fashion, digital, culture, and CreaTech.

The programme will include panels, workshops and one-to-one clinics, alongside live podcasts, performances and showcases. Running from 10am, the event combines a daytime conference (10am to 4pm) with an evening (4pm to 8pm) of live music and networking.

Highlights include appearances from Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh and broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake, a main stage conversation with iconic Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow, a live art battle from GRIT Studios, and a fashion showcase and panel from Black Creative Trailblazers delivered in partnership with Manchester Fashion Week.

The evening programme (4pm to 8pm) will feature DJs from Crop Radio and live music from local songwriter Paolo Fuschi.

Organisations joining on the day include industry leaders from Quay Street Studios, Manchester Museum, Music Venues Trust and the University of Salford, University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

The event focuses on key priorities including access to funding, skills development and career pathways and has been designed with creatives in mind – drawing on feedback from consultation undertaken by the GMCA with 600 plus local creatives in the region.

It will also spotlight Greater Manchester’s wider plans for the sector, including updates on the Creative Industries Sector Development Plan, The Production Fund, Music Plan and the Creative Places Growth Fund.

Sarah Novotny, Head of Creative Industries Support at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “The GM Creative Exchange has been built around what creatives in our region have told us they want – practical support pathways, clearer opportunities and better connections.

“It’s about helping people navigate the realities of working in the sector, whether that’s accessing funding, developing skills or building a sustainable career.

“Just as importantly, it’s about bringing people together – creating space for collaboration and strengthening our brilliant creative community.”

The event is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Greater Manchester. Registration is essential and limited spaces are available via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gm-creative-industries-exchange-tickets-1984470277019.