“The Future of Media is Here” – the slogan that welcomes all to the Beyond Conference in the heart of Media City. And it’s certainly the case for this regenerated area of Salford, a hot bed of media where innovation and creativity combine. It’s billed as the R and D conference for creative industries so the opportunity to be inspired by, learn from and network with other innovators was one the Includiverse team couldn’t resist.
Immersive tech and new and exciting ways of utilising it are around every corner here. Cultural and creative urban spaces have much to learn from the global cities which have understood and embraced “Createch” (creative technologies) for good. Underpinning all of that must be equality, diversity and inclusion, an understanding of what this means, how it fits together in the bigger picture and the benefits to all of us of removing barriers to access.
Over the course of the conference we heard from leaders in the createch field, had meaningful conversions with innovators and entrepreneurs and were treated to new and immersive cultural experiences. Not least an innovation to create real time virtual lighting for green screen productions and NOELLE a Spatial Audio / AV Artist and Hyperpop Producer who uses immersive technology and techniques to push the bounds of live electronic performance.
Finally, thanks to the team at Innovate UK and Creative Catalyst for funding our visit to Beyond at Media City – a very worthwhile investment all round.