💡 Creative Briefing #80
News, research, case studies & opportunities for the UK creative sector
Hello,
Delivery on the ambitions set out in the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan are gathering momentum in 2026. A joint effort between industry and government, the plan aims to drive growth, innovation and opportunity across the UK.
More than 40 leaders from across the sector have joined the refreshed Creative Industries Council and have begun working to tackle challenges in four areas: skills and talent, access to finance, export growth, and innovation.
In April, the first wave of investment from the Creative Places Growth Fund will be rolled out, helping to boost creative clusters in six mayoral regions across the UK. The fund is designed to support partnerships between industry, local government and education providers, creating jobs and opportunities in the sector.
UKRI has also just announced it will allocate £369 million to R&D for the creative industries, helping turn cutting-edge ideas into scalable products, services, and businesses. AHRC and Innovate UK will lead delivery, with more details to be announced imminently.
Creative highlights to look forward to in 2026
From the unveiling of the Bayeux Tapestry in London to the opening of a new national centre for illustration, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2026. We’ve put together a guide to the creative highlights we can all enjoy over the coming year.
Creative industries news
UK revenues from music, video and games grew by 7.1% in 2025 - more than four times the 1.5% GDP growth predicted for the UK economy by the Office for Budget Responsibility, according to a new report from ERA, the digital entertainment and retail association.
Exporting among UK creative businesses is expanding at a faster rate than exporting in other areas of the economy, according to new research from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.
UK recorded music consumption rose to 210 million albums in 2025, with over 200 billion audio streams generated for the first time, new figures from BPI reveal. Vinyl sales climbed for an 18th consecutive year, keeping physical formats in growth.
Bradford’s transformative year of culture
A world-class cultural programme attracted more than three million people to over 5,000 events in Bradford during its year as the UK’s national city of culture.
It was the largest City of Culture since the project began in 2013 and, for the first time, included capital investment in buildings and facilities for more than 30 cultural organisations. One example was the relocation of the Peace Museum, which saw visitor numbers rise from 3,000 to more than 50,000 since the move.
A survey of residents found that more than 80% felt Bradford 2025 had a positive impact on their wellbeing and had made them proud of their city.
Opportunities
Sheffield Doc Fest Youth Jury. Open to 18- to 23-year-old UK residents, this free programme offers opportunities for young people seeking to enter the film industry, from production and distribution to curation, film marketing, and criticism. Apply by 9 January.
Media Cymru Conference and Showcase 2026. Researchers and professionals are invited to submit academic work that explores approaches to and analysis of media and creative industries innovation in ways that can inform future practice and policy. Submit by 16 January.
Global Business Innovation Programme: MarTech Summit, Singapore. Innovate UK invites ambitious SMEs to participate in a market visit and associated opportunities. Apply by 18 January.
Supporting Grass Roots Music. Funding from DCMS & Arts Council England for projects supporting artists, bands and industry professionals to build sustainable careers in music, as well as the development of new audiences and the grassroots music sector as a whole. Apply for round 6 by 23 January.
Innovate UK Growth Catalyst – Investor Partnerships Round 2. Grant funding, private investment and support package designed to help accelerate high-potential start-ups on their journey to becoming scale-ups and beyond. Apply by 3 February.
For a full list of funding and development opportunities, visit our opportunities page.
Events
5 February - Lead 2026 (London). As The Advertising Association celebrates its centenary year, the industry’s major annual conference (co-hosted with the IPA & ISBA) will explore how trusted leadership can drive sustainable growth in an era of rapid change.
17 February - The Big Creative UK Investment Summit (London): Networking, panel discussions and keynotes for creative businesses and investors.
24–27 February - International Live Music Conference (London). Professionals from the global touring, festivals, and live entertainment industry gather.
Until next time,
Rachel Wareing (Newsletter Editor) &
Carlos Grande (Editor, thecreativeindustries.co.uk)
Thank youfor sharing these key dates - it is really useful. Also want to advise that Creative Industries Festival will be back in East London in 2026
Creative Industries Festival 2026
2nd – 5th September
Theme: Creative Balance: Good Work, Health and Life
The 2026 Creative Industries Festival explores how creativity can help us find balance in our work, our health, and our lives. As creative practitioners now have to navigate increasingly complex ways of working, the festival focuses on what it means to find good work that supports inclusion, health and wellbeing. As the boundaries between professional and personal life continue to blur, creative thinkers and makers are reimagining what “good work” looks like: purposeful, sustainable, and human-centred. Through talks, workshops, and industry collaborations, we’ll explore how creativity can shape workplaces that foster inclusion, wellbeing, and innovation and how we can work together to create an industry where people can truly thrive.