14 September 2024
Yesterday Katie Walden Illustration and I had the pleasure of attending the Shape North Building Connections: Creative Arts and Education Conference 2024 at the stunning Barbara Hepworth Building, University of Huddersfield.
It was my first time stepping into this architectural space which was as inspiring as the speakers who filled it with their ideas and creative vision.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Professor Nic Clear, Dean of the Schools of Arts and Humanities, who set the tone for what would be an exploration into the heart of creativity.
Shape North is all about encouraging a creative blueprint for Kirklees, and the University couldn’t have been a more fitting venue.
From Denim Dreams to Rap Rhythms
Keynote speaker Ian Berry, a Huddersfield-born artist renowned for his breathtaking works crafted entirely from denim, shared his journey from a local creative to a global name.
His story was fascinating and grounded in the history of our town, reminding us of the rich textile legacy that shaped so much of what Kirklees is today.
The conference also treated us to an incredible performance by acclaimed writer and rapper Testament, who offered a poetic ode to Huddersfield, weaving the town’s history into his verses.
His performance echoed the spirit of the day – how creativity, deeply rooted in heritage, can take us into the future.
Hands-on Creativity
One of the highlights for me had to be the collective drawing workshop, where we worked with charcoal – while blindfolded.
There we were, hands filthy with charcoal (well, mine were, Katie’s stayed spotless), blindly drawing and focusing purely on the feel of the material.
It was an incredible experience in mindfulness, a reminder to be present and to tap into creativity beyond the visual.
There’s something about not being able to see that sharpens your other senses—it made the whole exercise meditative, grounding, and messy (in the best possible way).
After lunch, our fun continued in the portrait photography studio. We took turns experimenting with light, taking photos of each other in ways that completely transformed our perceptions.
I’m so excited to share some of the shots. We had great fun capturing each other’s portraits in a new light.
Creativity at the Core of Education
The afternoon closed with another inspiring keynote, this time from Keith Brymer Jones, head of design at Make International, ambassador of the Crafts Council, and TV’s beloved judge on The Great Pottery Throwdown.
His words echoed something that became a recurring theme throughout the day – the need to embed creativity deeper into education.
With the rise of AI, there’s an even greater need to encourage creative thinking in schools, not just for its artistic merits but for its profound impact on wellbeing.
This was reinforced in a panel discussion with Sandra Booth, Council for Higher Education Art and Design (CHEAD) and Dr Rowan Bailey, University of Huddersfield, who explored the importance of creativity within higher education.
They discussed CHEAD’s Creative Manifesto and how our voices as creatives could influence the conversations that will be brought to the next Labour Party Conference.
Why is creativity still sidelined as a non-academic pursuit? It’s time to change that mindset and embrace the vital role it plays in all aspects of life.
Attending Shape North 2024 was a chance to participate, get messy, create, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the arts.
Events like these are a crucial reminder that creativity isn’t just a subject. It’s a tool for connection, problem-solving, and wellbeing, and it needs to be nurtured.
Ready for the Next Chapter
I’m excited to see how these conversations develop, both in Kirklees and beyond.
Creativity is at the core of what makes us human, and conferences like Shape North help ensure it stays that way. We must nurture it, especially as we face a future increasingly shaped by AI.
While technology offers incredible tools, it’s our unique creative thinking that will keep us connected, inspired, and innovative.
Perhaps it’s time we all take that leap and let our creative voices be heard, whether in communities, workplaces or in schools.