Championing the Creative Industries
The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is significant catalyst for the Creative Industries on both a national and international level. The EXPO is an unparalleled opportunity to experience cutting-edge work, forge strategic partnerships and meet the future creators making waves in the UK’s Creative Industries. York is 1 of 25 cities worldwide that was selected by UNESCO because of its extensive outputs in Media Arts. It is the only UNESCO City of Media Arts city in the UK. Other global destinations that share this status are powerhouse cities, including Austin, Texas; Sapporo, Japan; and Toronto, Canada. Our outputs in York are on a par with these global destinations. Aesthetica has been actively working with a range of city-wide partners to drive progression routes and pathways into the Creative Industries.
York is a Vibrant Centre of Media Arts
The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is a dynamic marketplace for innovative ideas and collaboration. It’s a platform for creative industries, which contributes £109 billion pounds to the UK economy annually and employs 2.3 million people. York is a leader in the creative economy and our cultural significance is on a global scale. Set within the programme of this year’s Aesthetica Film Festival, the EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by media arts and creative businesses who are based in region, often with a global reach. In addition to connecting filmmakers, developers and screen executives attending the festival with businesses that deliver the services they need, the EXPO will also act as a catalyst to support the next generation of talent by showcasing educational pathways and career progressions.
Meet the Companies
There will be 16 businesses at the EXPO. Together, they cover a huge range of disciplines, including virtual production, visual effects, film & TV, interactive design, gaming, graphic design, publishing, XR and more. The companies in attendance are: Aesthetica, Art is My Career, Ay-Pe, BetaJester, Bright White, Button Down Productions, Creative Business Skills Academy Share stand, Factual Fiction, Last Maps Illustrations, LazenbyBrown, Orillo Productions, Peel X, Pilot Theatre, Revolution Software and Viridian FX. Thes demonstrate the sheer breadth and scale of York's cultural output, collaborating with big-name clients, such as Adidas, Apple TV+, BBC, Channel 4, HBO, ITV, Netflix, Pepsi and Sky, to name a few.
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Visiting the Expo
Attending the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is a unique opportunity to celebrate York’s 10th anniversary as a designated Creative City. This prestigious recognition makes York one of only 26 cities worldwide, and the only one in the UK, to hold this status. The event is entirely free and open to everyone, offering the chance to meet and engage with 25 creative businesses from the region that are making an impact both nationally and internationally. The EXPO highlights the diverse talents and innovation thriving in region, showcasing creative businesses that are shaping the future of media arts. Whether you're a resident, visitor or creative professional, the EXPO is a platform to connect, collaborate, and learn about the vibrant creative industries. Come and be part of this global celebration of creativity, innovation, and the arts, right here in York. Everyone is welcome to attend! The EXPO runs from 7-9 November at Guildhall, York.
