Digital Creativity Network news
Building relationships and broadening outreach
The University of York Digital Creativity Network was established in 2025 to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration in digital creativity across the University and beyond.
During the year, the DCN convened a network of researchers, technicians and professional support staff working in digital creativity, facilitating knowledge exchange and dissemination through newsletters and online digital meetups.
In June, the network was awarded funding from the Mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund to lead Walmgate Reframed, a community heritage project that celebrated the rich identity of the high street through new-media artwork.
In September, the DCN connected University of York technicians to share knowledge and spark ideas for future projects, including a shared repository of different equipment held in facilities across the campus.
In 2026, the DCN opened access to its growing directory so that members can search for research interests and collaborate directly.
In the coming months, the network will run a programme of activities to encourage new relationships and broaden engagement with the local creative community.
DCN visits to CoSTAR Live Lab and the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall will introduce University of York students and technicians to state-of-the-art technology and specialist facilities at the two venues.
On 17 April, the DCN will support a digital cultural heritage online workshop co-hosted by the University of York’s Humanities Research Centre and Virginia Tech’s Centre for Humanities. The workshop will bring together 20 researchers from the two universities to present their projects that involve the creative use of technologies to explore culture, the arts and history. The workshop is open to all University colleagues and there will then be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and explore potential future collaborations with the speakers.
On 29 April, the DCN will host a networking event at the Grand Opera House, York that will bring together University colleagues and external practitioners and businesses working in digital creativities and performance to learn about each other and explore future opportunities.
In summer, the network will host a workshop for University colleagues working in digital creativity research to explore opportunities for a consortium bid to Horizon Europe’s call for proposals focused on ‘Culture, heritage and creative industries for health and well-being’.
The network will also play a key role in supporting a digital creativity themed York Talks event, planned for Autumn 2026.
Emma Brown, Deputy Director, XR Stories and XR Network+ and co-founder of the Digital Creativity Network comments: “It’s been great to see colleagues working in digital creativities engaging with the DCN to share ideas and begin new projects and initiatives. Over the coming year the DCN will continue to facilitate connections and open up opportunities, both within the University and with external partners working in the digital and creative sectors.”
Join the DCN community today to connect with colleagues across the University and receive updates about DCN activities and opportunities.