18-02-2025
National Science and Media Museum to host Creative Cities Convention
The National Science and Media Museum will host this year's Creative Cities Convention, as announced today (Tuesday, February 18).
The museum, which reopened in January after an 18-month, £6 million renovation project, will host the convention in May.
The convention is billed as the only conference dedicated to film, TV, and digital content creators outside of London.
It will stage two days of sessions, debates, and screenings.
The Creative Cities Convention will also present a preview screening of the new BBC documentary about the Bradford City stadium fire.
The documentary, titled 'Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire,' marks the fortieth anniversary of the tragedy and features personal testimonies from those who were present - it is scheduled to be broadcast in May on BBC2.
The free preview screening, open to the public and delegates, will take place at the museum's Pictureville cinema on May 6 and will be followed by a Q&A with the programme makers.
Lisa Campbell, director of the Creative Cities Convention, said: "It is an honour to be screening such an important documentary, which tells of a tragedy yet also celebrates the strength of community, resilience, and shared remembrance."
The 2025 Creative Cities Convention is themed 'Local to Global: More in Common,' and will explore the future development and impact of British-made content.
Ms Campbell added: "I can't think of a more perfect venue to host this year's conference than the National Science and Media Museum.
"For more than 40 years, the museum has catalogued the innovation and creativity of the UK screen industry, attracting visitors from all over the world.
"Now, following its stunning renovation, it truly is one of the jewels in Bradford's crown as it celebrates its global status as the UK City of Culture."
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum, said: "We're thrilled to be hosting the Creative Cities Convention at the museum whilst Bradford is centre stage as UK City of Culture."
This year's Creative Cities Convention, taking place on May 7 and 8, will be hosted by journalist Mobeen Azhar, and is set to feature industry figures and keynote sessions.
Confirmed speakers include BBC director-general Tim Davie, Channel 4's managing director of nations and regions Sinéad Rocks, and ITV Studios executive producer of continuing drama Iain Macleod.
The programme includes sessions on funding new shows, building brands, monetising YouTube content, and future-proofing skills in light of AI and virtual production advancements.
