This conference took place yesterday and was organised by UCE (Charlotte Carey and Sara Harris were the organisers)
The theme of the conference was one that I’m particularly interested in, namely how to educate creative people on how to run their businesses better, specifically within Higher Education.
I have to say that it was well-focussed, well-attended and well-organised conference (and it’s not often I say that!). It was great to see UCE at the forefront of a debate attended by HE institutions and policy makers from all around the country.
What was interesting was that everyone seemed to basically agree on what needs to be done. The day had a hugely positive vibe and a feeling of strong alignment between everyone.
Specifically I was hugely encouraged by what the DCMS were saying - pretty much in line with what we have been saying for some time as far as I could tell. One of the major points on which everyone agreed was that enterprise and business is usually only glanced over in a very cursory way within HE courses. Everyone agreed that this needed to be changed, but that to do so was going to take some time as it involved a total shift in the culture of these institutions.
I do think it’s vital that creative students are taught about enterprise and business. However I also think it’s vital that this support continues after college, as these are often the times when the help is most needed.
7 comments ↓
Hi Antonio
Great to hear such positive feedback - pleased you enjoyed the day and thank you for your contribution. I need to do my own post-mortem!
Look forward to reading more of your posts!
Rgds
Charlotte
Thanks from me as well Antonio for both your contributions on the day and your post-event thoughts. It’s looking like there’s a head of steam developing about this topic nationally and I’m pleased that this region was seen to already be ahead of the game.
Dave
I agree Antonio that we do need to continue with graduate support and ongoing support. I have come across many creative businesses who really struggle when they need to employ people and grow. I also think that the quality of support within HE is really important - we dont want to turn people off or give them unrealistic and / or inappropriate info. The more we work with companies who are doing it right now and invite visting speakers, the better.
Annette
Hi Antonio
Following the event whe’re jus setting up a Creative Enterprise blog. Would it be possible to put a link in to your site and comments about the event?
Joe
Of course!
Antonio
Great blog Antonio, and interesting points about HE in this piece. I’ve almost finished the MA in Creative and Media Enterprises at Warwick University http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/theatre_s/cp/study/creative/ which may be of interest in this context.
It’s an excellent course covering the creative industries and creative entrepreneurship and obviously well-positioned for people in the West Midlands. I’m doing it part-time over 2 years but most students do it 1 year full-time, so it would be a good option for someone finishing a first degree and looking to add entrepreneurship and industry knowledge to their other skills.
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