GM Creative Industries Exchange

Connect. Collaborate. Create.

Greater Manchester Creative Industries Exchange is a collaboration between GM Business Growth Hub Create Growth Programme and Greater Manchester Combined Authority-Creative Industries. This new event will bring together freelancers, organisations, educators, and industry leaders for a full‑day celebration of the region’s creative strengths.

Hosted by radio and TV presenter Nihal Arthanayake, hear from leading voices including Julie Hesmondhalgh, Stanley Chow, John McAuliffe, and more as we share insights on creativity, collaboration and the future of the sector.

You’ll hear from our panel of experts as we explore real support and opportunities across all sub-sectors of the industry, including deep-dive panels into Skills For the Future, Freelancing in the Creative Industries, and AI’s Impact on the sector.

Discover our creative showcase featuring exhibitors Crafthernoon, Immersed Films, Neptunes Submerge, The Art of Coffee, Manchester Jewellery Week, Musicians’ Union and Neon Creations, alongside networking, lightning talks, group sessions and performances shaped by the needs of 600+ local creatives.

Our mission is to:

• Tackle sector challenges and improve support

• Boost skills, training and future talent

• Champion inclusion and represent the region

• Drive collaboration and innovation across sectors

The day will also spotlight Greater Manchester’s strategic direction - sharing updates on the Greater Manchester Creative Industries Sector Development Plan, the Creative Places Growth Fund timeline, and new initiatives such as the Freelancer Network.

From 4pm, there will be an opportunity to unwind with a DJ set, live music and continued networking with like-minded people.

By fostering cross‑sector collaboration, championing diversity, and strengthening the creative community, this event will reinforce Greater Manchester’s position as a national leader in creativity and a thriving, inclusive place to build a sustainable creative career.

Agenda: 

10:00 - 16:00 - Conference

16:00 - 20:00 - Live Music & Networking

This event is open to anyone who works, lives, creates or studies in Greater Manchester.

Once your place is confirmed, you will receive an email from us with further details.

This event is delivered by GM Business Growth Hub in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority. By registering, you agree that the information you provide will be shared between GM Business Growth Hub and GMCA for event administration, monitoring, evaluation, and to provide relevant business‑support information.

Your data will be handled securely in line with both organisations’ privacy policies and will not be sold to third parties.

For more information on how your data is stored please visit our privacy policies:

• GM Business Growth Hub: Privacy Policy

• Greater Manchester Combined Authority: Privacy Policy