University launches network for creative and cultural leaders

A new network for senior leaders working in the creative industries has been launched.

The Creative & Cultural Industries Leaders Network has been created by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), which has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Maidstone.

Professor Lyndsay Duthie, UCA’s pro vice-chancellor for academic partnerships and industry engagement, said the network had been developed with “senior industry leaders” as a way to share ideas and help shape the future of the sector.

She explained: “The creative and cultural industries are full of opportunity, but being part of the narrative is vital to thrive in these changing times.

“We need to think globally to maximise potential and collaborate across disciplines.”

The network was launched at an event at UCA’s Creative Business School featuring speakers including Samantha Perahia, head of UK production at British Film Commission, Sara Whybrew, director of skills and workforce development at British Film Institute, and the coach and TEDx speaker, Andy Coley.

UCA president and vice-chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, said the event “confirmed that we can play a leading role supporting, steering and equipping the creative and cultural leaders for the challenges today and tomorrow”.