Leading employers discuss future of creative industry

The Future Of Work panel, held at the University’s New Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday October 18 as part of the Design Manchester festival, will feature representatives from organisations such as the BBC and ITV discussing issues such as the best route into a creative career and what prospects an art and design education offers in the age of artificial intelligence.

The panel will be chaired by Lou Cordwell – CEO and founder of the award winning independent digital design company magneticNorth, whose clients include Google.

The issues will be discussed by Jane Murison, the BBC’s head of user experience and design; ITV’s Tessa Hoffe, Director of Coronation Street; Clare Gallagher, head of talent for Co-op Digital; Sarah Brooks-Pearce, future talent manager for Auto Trader and Ged Couser, principal of international architects firm BDP and president of Manchester Architects.

The event is being held as part of Design Manchester’s DM17 festival of creative design, which includes more than 50 events across Greater Manchester and is led by University of Salford alumnus John Owens.

Graphic Design students are having their work displayed in the New Adelphi building as part of the event, while the Fashion Design programme will have a purpose built pop up studio at the Design City Weekender at Upper Campfield Market Hall on Oct 20-22. 

Lecturer and designer Paul Marsden will be delivering a series of workshops throughout the weekend supported by Fashion Design students.

Rosie Miller, Director of Art and Design at the University of Salford said: “This event will bring some of the leading figures in the digital and creative industries onto our campus and enable our students to hear directly from them about how this fast-paced industry is changing, as well as to give them some new and exciting ideas as they prepare to set off on their own careers.

“I’m delighted that the University of Salford are working closely with Design Manchester as industry partners, providing opportunities for our students to gain real-world experience of working in the region’s digital and creative industries.”

Tickets for the event can be bought here and are being given free to participating universities and colleges.