Creative Industries Festival 2022

Opening Address and artist reflections : 'Cripical Theory': 12 aspects of Disability Art and Education that never get resolved

The festival Opening Address will be given by Prof Daniela Treveri Gennari, Chair of the Creative Industries Research and Innovation Network at Oxford Brookes University. 

Artist and Research Fellow Aaron Williamson then ponders : What is the problem with terms like 'non-disabled', 'tragic', 'brave', 'heartwarming', 'normal', 'people with disabilities' and others often used when addressing artificially constructed oppositions? Aaron’s reflections are informed by his experience of becoming deaf and by a politicised, yet humorous sensibility towards disability.

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Getting into the Creative Industries and Making a Difference

This online panel brings together creative industries practitioners from PR, communications, theatre, and film to share their paths through the creative industries and offer guidance to students looking to do the same. Students will be able to ask questions and get advice as they prepare for the job market. We will reflect on how to build a meaningful career and the opportunities the sector offers for making a difference to society.

• Reetu Kabra, Public Relations Consultant specialising in arts and entertainment for clients such as Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV
• Prasanna Puwanarajah, actor, director, writer and former doctor
• Tony Langham, co-founded leading reputation management consultancy Lansons
• Lauren Dark, BAFTA winning film producer at Aluna Entertainment

The city is our gallery: The power of street art in the community

An open discussion on how street art is evolving within our society and specifically in Oxford City. We look at how it enables an outlet for commentary on current affairs, what the response within communities is and how the category has grown to include more than just graffiti art. We also discuss our future project space at Headington Hill Campus. Hosted by Lucy Turner (Oxford Brookes) with Lucinda Whiteley (Creative Director Novel Entertainment) as discussant.

• Alison Casidy, Oxford City Council Anti-Social Behaviour Unit
• George O’Shaugnessy, Populate Co-operative
• Isabel Irigoyen Zozaya, Urban Design Lecturer from Oxford Brookes University
• Emma Brink-Morrison, student documentary film maker
• Issatu Doore, student documentary film maker
• Abi Wiltshire, urban design research student

Please note that this event will not be recorded and will only be accessible live.

How can we embrace the creative and cultural sectors as a driver for high street rejuvenation?

How do traditional high streets need to be reconfigured to respond to a new reality and a different use of space? How can the creative and cultural sectors assist with inclusivity and resilience which are required to ‘level up’ post pandemic? Join this Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP Panel), hosted by Prof Daniela Treveri Gennari.

• John Newbigin OBE - London Mayor’s Ambassador for the Creative Industries & Founder and first Chairman of Creative England
• Paul Hobson, Director of Modern Art Oxford
• Andy Edwards, Director of Makespace Oxford
• Clare Cumberlidge, Artworks Project, DACS
• Anja Meinhardt, Artistic Director, Justice in Motion

Immersive Technology and community engagement

What is the impact of immersive technology on communities? How might the potential of immersive work be leveraged for social engagement? In what ways can we make immersive work accessible? How does consuming immersive media create the conditions for post-spectatorship?

• Debbie Bandara, Artistic Director of Forest Tribe theatre
• Danai Mikelli, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media Production at Oxford Brookes University
• Tobías G. Palma from Theatre, Film and Television/Creative Practice, University of York

Women in Blues

Continuing our celebration of the Paul Oliver Blues Archive at Brookes we focus on the experience of female blues artists, often marginalised in blues narratives. We welcome two featured blues artists, Dana Gillespie and Debbie Bond, to reflect on their ongoing careers as touring musicians and the influences that have shaped their musical directions.

Debbie Bond has a 2022 UK tour booked. She is the founder of the Alabama Blues Project, an award winning non profit, the mission of which is to promote and preserve the state's blues heritage.

Hosted by Annabel Valentine (archivist) and Pete Boss (Senior Lecturer).

Indie Presses on Poetry Publishing

Dr Niall Munro (Director of Oxford Brookes Poetry Centre’s ignitionpress, and Senior Lecturer in American Literature) chairs this online panel discussion with three leading poetry presses. This industry panel will discuss key areas of shared concern with regard to small scale niche publishing and will celebrate recent success stories and explore future collaborative opportunities.

• Amy Acre, Bad Betty Press
• Anthony Anaxagorou, Out-Spoken Press
• Jane Commane, Nine Arches Press