Creative Industries Futures Symposium 2025

We’re excited to announce the launch of ACM’s Third Annual Creative Industries Futures Symposium, taking place on 13th June 2025at theElectric Theatre in Guildford (times and schedules tbc). 

The Creative Industries Futures Symposium invites academics, industry professionals, researchers, and students to contribute to our third annual event. This year’s theme, Education and the Creative Industries, explores the intersection of educational practices, innovation, and the rapidly evolving landscape of the creative industries across music, games, film, and beyond. 
ACM’s Creative Industries Futures offers a unique platform for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and cutting-edge research, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. We welcome submissions that engage with the theme from diverse perspectives, exploring topics such as:

• The role of education in shaping the future of creative industries
• Innovations in teaching and learning within the creative sector
• The impact of technological advancements on education and industry practices
• Industry-driven education models and collaboration opportunities
• Emerging trends in creative entrepreneurship and the changing workforce
• The evolution of technology and education
• Developing future leaders in creative industries: bridging the gap between theory and practice
• Preparing students for industry demands: curriculum development and skills training
• The role and/or shape of postgraduate study in relation to creative industry practice

Types of Contribution
We invite submissions for the following formats:

1. Research Presentations
   • Abstracts of 250-300 words outlining your research, project, or findings related to the theme.
   • Presentations should be approx. 20 minutes in length, followed by a short Q&A session.
2. Panel Discussions
   • Proposals for engaging panel discussions (4–5 panellists) on critical issues affecting the creative industries and education.
   • Panels should encourage interaction with the audience and cover a variety of viewpoints on the theme.
3. Workshops/Interactive Sessions
   • Proposals for hands-on workshops or interactive sessions that allow participants to explore practical aspects of education and the creative industries (desired length of workshop should be provided in proposal).
   • Workshops should provide takeaways or skills that attendees can apply in their own work or studies.
4. Industry Case Studies
   • Submissions from industry professionals detailing real-world applications of educational initiatives, innovative practices, or success stories in the creative sector.
   • These case studies should highlight collaborations, projects, or initiatives that have advanced the sector.

Submission Guidelines
Please submit your contributions through the symposium’s submission portal (from January) All submissions should include:

• A title for your presentation, panel, or workshop
• A 250–300 word abstract describing your contribution
• Names, affiliations, and bios of all contributors (up to 5 participants for panel discussions)
• Audio-visual or other technical requirements (if applicable)

We welcome submissions from a diverse range of contributors, including academics, educators, industry professionals, and students. All selected contributions will be reviewed by a peer panel for relevance, originality, and engagement with the theme.