For the first time, I attended a summit for the creative industries: The Big Creative Summit West Midlands, organised by Creative UK in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority. It took place at Birmingham's Rep Theatre.
I did not attend the entire event, but here are some of my key experiences.
The event was designed to celebrate the growth and development of a wide range of creative industries across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
The summit was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Marverine Cole.
The event began with a poetry performance by Simone “Word” Smith.
This was followed by a statement from the West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, who reflected on developments and progress over the past 12 months. This included a summit between China, Japan and the UK, highlighting the potential for international opportunities. These opportunities aim to support growth in the creative industries and create jobs and investment on a global scale. Richard also emphasised the importance of strengthening the region’s creative industries beyond key development areas such as Digbeth.
Regional developments highlighted included a new studio in Birmingham based on the BBC reality TV series MasterChef, as well as three new productions in the city for both the BBC and Channel 4.
In addition to media and creative developments in Digbeth—including a new Midlands headquarters for the BBC—a new film studio is also being planned in the Black Country.
Graham Webb from Creative Central emphasised the importance of confidence, coordination and scale. He highlighted the need for a more connected and unified voice between Creative UK and the West Midlands Combined Authority, reinforcing that the region is serious about growth.
The event continued with a fireside chat between Sarah Ellis and Ammo Yalwar.
Later, there was a live interview with Amahrah Spence, Director of Hood Futures Studio. She discussed innovative models within the market and advised creatives to take on different roles in line with their ambitions.
Drawing on her experience, she noted that the Growth Investment Fund Programme (by the West Midlands Combined Authority) is particularly helpful for those seeking to better understand the sector. She emphasised that understanding the sector is essential, especially as many traditional models have become outdated. It is important to understand existing systems before attempting to challenge conventions. She also highlighted the importance of using creativity to generate interest in early-stage ideas, while being prepared with the necessary resources.
Regarding tailored support structures, she stressed that success cannot happen without deeper connections and strong, interconnected relationships. These connections help build mutual support as well as long-term partnerships.
Amahrah also expressed concern that we are losing vital civic spaces, particularly in relation to investing in freehold cultural and creative organisations and communities. She further noted that the ecosystem is fragmented, with access to land being a key factor in creating and sustaining spaces, as well as generating value that can be reinvested into communities.
In summary, she encouraged creatives to push the boundaries of their achievements and development. The “rulebook” can be changed—and once you master it, you can rewrite your own version. She also emphasised the importance of valuing strong mentorship and creativity.
Conclusion
The event showcased a wide range of creative developments and highlighted the potential for the sector to shape society locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
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Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant
With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.
Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000 , he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also am involved with salsa classes in the local community
as an assistant. I also have participated in major dancing conventions in Birmingham's, including Motion City (created by Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity) during the summer and Latinmotion's NYE Fest during the New Year public holiday.
In 2022. Keith became a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the Commonwealth Games
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