Festival at Oxford Brookes University celebrates the importance and impact of the creative industries
Thought-provoking music, talks, performances and much more are part of Oxford Brookes University’s Creative Industries Festival which takes place next month.
Between 9 and 16 May, more than 50 artists, performers, researchers and professionals will give 20 talks, workshops and performances around the theme of joyful resistance, focusing on topics including the climate crisis, all-embracing creativity, social justice and spaces for resistance.
The event is organised by the University’s Creative industries research and innovation network (CIRIN), which brings together diverse disciplines including advertising, architecture, arts, design, film, publishing, software, games and media.
Professor Daniela Treveri Gennari, CIRIN Network Chair, Professor of Film Studies and the Research Lead for Oxford Brookes University’s School of Arts said: “I’m excited about this festival which includes everything from how we encourage children into the creative industries through to how theatre can challenge ageism and age-induced shame.
“The festival will showcase the work of CIRIN over the last three years, and highlight the vital economic and social impact of the creative industries to our society.”
The festival starts on Tuesday 9 May with a celebration to mark the third anniversary of the creation of CIRIN. Special guests will be Trevor MacFarlane, Director of Culture Commons, and Fran Sanderson, Director of Arts Programmes and Investments for NESTA.
The varied programme continues with a session exploring creative solutions for urban environments with industry architects and the Brookes Sustainable and Resilient Futures Network.
Musical performances and artist discussions on the theme of Flamboyant Nature take place on Thursday 11 May. Queer artist PriestX, singer/songwriter/producer NAALA and DJ, performer and educator Thempress.
The musical theme continues on Tuesday 16 May when Blues experts Michael Roach and Christian O’Connell lead a conversation on Paul Oliver’s trip to the US in 1960. Paul Oliver was a Blues scholar whose work uncovered the origins and development of the music, and the hidden lives of African Americans during segregation.
For a full programme of events and details on how to book visit this webpage.
More in Conference & Events
Five gatherings, one shared ambition: B4 is building a stronger, more...
Across a series of gatherings, a consistent theme has continued to emerge — the power of purposeful collaboration. From strategic discussions on the future of Oxfordshire to shared experiences across our network, each event reinforced the importance of bringing people together to learn, challenge and support one another.
HENLEY FESTIVAL’S SPECTACULAR LINE-UP FOR 2026
Henley Festival Presented by Hemani is thrilled to reveal a dazzling line-up for five magical summer nights from 8-12 July 2026 with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.
Women’s Leadership Takes Centre Stage at Randolph Hotel Networking Breakfast
On a morning that perfectly captured the spirit of International Women’s Day, The Randolph Hotel Oxford hosted an inspiring “Empower, Connect & Inspire” networking breakfast, bringing together a room full of ambitious women and community leaders to celebrate leadership, resilience and wellbeing in the workplace.
From this author
Paris’s legacy
As the curtain closes on the Paris Olympic Games, the event leaves behind a legacy rich in sporting memories.
Olympic Glory for Brookes Athletes
Athletes from Oxford Brookes University Boat Club (OBUBC) powered to thrilling Gold and Bronze medals in two rowing events at the Paris Olympic Games.
Art and design students team up with top sustainable fashion designers...
Oxford Brookes University students gained real life fashion industry experience by creating and building a set for two top British designers as part of London Fashion Week 2024.


