Artists in Tech Cities

The Artists in Tech Cities panel discussion will address the issues and forces at play in East London as the technology sector is rapidly developing in areas that have been characterized by large pre-existing numbers of artists, from Shoreditch to the Hackney Wick area. It will be of interest not only to those who may have experienced these recent transformations, but also to those interested in policy making and the narrative of “regeneration through creativity”.

While the convergence of technology clusters and artists’ communities has been much welcomed by policy makers in search of urban development strategy, the research underpinning this discussion highlights the challenges faced by existing creative and local communities faced with spiralling real estate costs, diminishing space availability and increased exposure to corporate forces.

This research was undertaken by The Institute for Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough London and East London-based arts organisation SPACE.  Both organisations will have facilities at Here East, an ambitious new innovation centre in the Olympic Park, and share a deep commitment to the conditions for creative freedom for the local and creative community.

Chair:
Tom Campbell, Specialist, Creative Industries Innovate UK

Panelists:
Anna Harding, Chief Executive, SPACE Studios
Shin Joung Yeo, Lecturer in the Institute for Media and Creative Industries, Loughborough University London
Will Jennings, Artist
Kirsty Styles, Head of talent and skills, Tech North
Polly Hunt,  Director of Development and Communications, Studio Wayne McGregor

Image credit: Toby Miller, Loughborough London