Championing the Creative Industries
The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is a 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 26 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 the region 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
This event is a dynamic marketplace for innovative ideas and collaboration. It’s a platform for creative industries, which contributes £124 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, and now in its second year, the EXPO showcases the exceptional work being delivered by media arts and creative businesses who are based in the 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 is a catalyst to support the next generation of talent by showcasing educational pathways and career progression routes.
Meet the Companies
There will be 40 businesses exhibiting at the EXPO, representing an impressive and diverse range of creative disciplines. These include cutting-edge fields such as virtual production, visual effects, film and TV, interactive design, gaming, graphic design, publishing, XR (extended reality) and many more. This variety showcases not only the breadth and scale of the region’s cultural output but also its dynamic ability to innovate across multiple creative sectors. These businesses work collaboratively and consistently deliver world-class projects for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Adidas, Apple TV+, BBC, Channel 4, HBO, ITV, Netflix, Pepsi, and Sky. Their partnerships with such global brands highlight the strength, professionalism, and influence of the region’s creative community. The EXPO is a powerful demonstration of how the North of England has become a hub for creativity and innovation, with businesses that are operating at the highest levels nationally and internationally. Together, these companies are driving forward the creative economy, inspiring new talent, and showcasing the region as a powerhouse of cultural production.
Visiting the Expo
Attending the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is a unique opportunity to celebrate York’s as a designated Creative City, but the reach goes beyond and we are pleased to be working with more creative businesses across the region. 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 40 creative businesses from the region that are making an impact both nationally and internationally. The EXPO highlights the diverse talents and innovation thriving in the 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!
