On March 22nd, the inaugural ‘Imagination Unleashed’ event was held at the Hall For Cornwall, celebrating the remarkable talent and ingenuity present in Cornwall’s creative and tech sectors. This event spotlighted the power of CreaTech, the intersection of creativity and technology, demonstrating the vast potential that arises from merging these dynamic industries to foster accelerated innovation.
Designed to inspire innovative storytelling, audience engagement, and business growth, ‘Imagination Unleashed’ showcased how CreaTech can push the boundaries of entertainment and culture, as well as effectively tackle real-world challenges in healthcare, climate, and communication.
Organized by Hall for Cornwall, the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Digital Skills Partnership, Screen Cornwall, and Cultivator, ‘Imagination Unleashed’ brought together young people, students, industry professionals, and key stakeholders to explore the future of CreaTech in the region – with over 170 attendees. The event featured panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to discover, play, and dream.
Attendees enjoyed various activities showcasing the diversity of CreaTech, including Games Academy Arcade, live performances, and a Sonic Escape Room.
Cornwall, the South West’s fastest-growing tech hub, boasts the highest concentration of creative freelancers in any UK rural area, according to the Council’s Creative Census and Tech SW research. A recent report by Screen Cornwall has also shown that Cornwall could soon become a screen cluster of national significance in film, TV, games and immersive.
Coupled with its vibrant cultural scene, this unique combination positions Cornwall as a frontrunner in the CreaTech industry – with potential not only for entertainment and enrichment but also in addressing global problems like the climate disaster.
Laura Giles, Managing Director, Screen Cornwall, commented on the success of the pilot event: “It’s been really brilliant such a mix of tech and creatives in one place, with so many businesses from around Cornwall connecting with each other as well as with new talent… The most important message we wanted to convey is that there are opportunities within the CreaTech sector in Cornwall. Be curious, be open-minded and look at the pathways available.”
Attendees praised the opportunity to bring together students, industry professionals, creators, tech experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers in one space, highlighting the importance of collaborative working. The event provided a platform for fruitful conversations and the exchange of ideas, as well as highlighting interesting tech courses, exciting creative projects, and future investment opportunities for the region’s youth.
Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council: “Events like this are hugely important for us as a county, Cornwall is really excelling in our digital and creative landscape. Putting these thriving businesses together in one place is an incredible environment for creating a network where they can share ideas and technology. I’m thrilled this inaugural event received such a great turn out and am looking forward to the next one”
As a pilot event, ‘Imagination Unleashed’ demonstrated the strong demand from a diverse group of individuals eager to learn and collaborate within the sector. The event’s success has paved the way for it to become an annual gathering, showcasing the development and achievements of Cornwall’s CreaTech industry year on year.
