Inspiring Ideas and Innovation at Creative Industries Week

Friday 30 January 2026

Throughout the week, the Council has curated a diverse programme of free events, workshops, and networking sessions designed to inform, inspire, and empower people at every stage of their creative journey.

Whether participants are just beginning to explore a business idea or are already developing an established creative enterprise, Creative Industries Week offers countless opportunities to learn new skills, meet like‑minded people, and expand their professional networks.

The programme of events aims to harness the unique energy that comes from bringing ambitious minds and bold ideas together in one room.

Announcing Creative Industries Week 2026, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “Our Creative Industries are far more than a sector - they’re a vibrant engine of economic growth, innovation, and community life.

“They help shape the way we connect, communicate, and imagine the future and Council are delighted to deliver these events.

“I am particularly looking forward to the workshops aimed at our young people, with Cinemagic and the Belfast School of Performing Arts delivering crafted experiences to inspire the next generation who will bring new creativity, communication, and tech skills that will connect the Creative Industries in the future and encourage innovation.

“Creativity drives opportunity and it spills over into every corner of our economy, fuelling new technologies, strengthening social bonds, and helping places thrive.

“Whether through film, games, design, or digital media, the Creative Industries sector doesn’t just reflect the world around us - it reimagines it, enriches it, and brings people together.”

A key highlight is the week‑long ‘Crafted Futures: Make, Learn, Sell’ programme, during which participants will have the opportunity to unlock their creativity, gain hands‑on experience, and discover how a passion for making can be transformed into a sustainable business idea.

The ‘Crafted Futures’ week will conclude with a special showcase event that will give attendees the chance to present and celebrate their creations.

The schedule features an exciting variety of public workshops taking place across Mid and East Antrim, including sessions on Floriography, Cameraphone Photography, Reel Creation, Photography Skills, Lino Printing, Sewing and Design, Jewellery Making, and a selection of Baking Demonstrations.

These workshops have been designed to encourage creative exploration while offering accessible, practical skills.

Creative Industries Week will also provide valuable experiences for young people through a series of inspiring school events.

These include a behind‑the‑scenes exploration of special effects makeup and animation with Cinemagic, an introduction to theatre with Peter Corry’s Belfast School of Performing Arts brought to the borough in conjunction with Council’s Arts and Culture team, and an insight into the various roles within a real‑life music studio environment.

Each workshop aims to spark early interest in creative careers and highlight the range of opportunities within the sector.

For anyone considering taking the leap into entrepreneurship or transforming a hobby into a business, Creative Industries Week offers the ideal starting point.

The Council hopes the programme will provide the spark that inspires the next chapter in many local creative journeys.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council looks forward to welcoming participants of all backgrounds and skill levels throughout the week’s activities and hopes attendees leave feeling informed, supported, and inspired to pursue their creative ambitions with confidence.

The full programme of events and links to book workshops is available on our Creative Industries Week 2026 webpage.

For further information on the Creative Industries Week initiative contact E: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk