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Reignite Continues to Build Momentum for York’s Creative Industries

13 February 2026

Next Event 18th March: Production & Creative Technologies

Since launching in September 2023, the Reignite programme has become a powerful catalyst for York’s creative industries, bringing together cultural organisations, businesses, policymakers, and creatives to shape the city’s future as a centre for culture and innovation. With more than 3,000 attendees across its events to date, Reignite has evolved into a movement focused on collaboration, placemaking and economic growth.

The next event, Reignite XIII: Production & Creative Technologies,takes place on Wednesday 18th March from 6pm at City Screen Picturehouse. It will spotlight York and North Yorkshire’s rapidly expanding creative technology ecosystem, featuring speakers from XR Stories, Production Park, andCoStar LiveLab. These York & North Yorkshire based organisations are driving innovation in immersive storytelling, live production and digital performance, helping to put the region on the map, globally. Networking, complimentary drinks and a live DJ will follow, reinforcing Reignite’s emphasis on building connections across sectors.

Reignite has explored critical themes including Culture Makes Places, The Intersection of Art & Technology, and The Future of Culture, reflecting wider priorities in the UK’s Industrial Strategy, local City Development frameworks, and the York and North Yorkshire Local Growth Plan. By connecting cultural production with business development and technology, the programme is helping to embed creativity at the heart of regional economic strategy.

Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, describes Reignite as both a platform and a catalyst for change. She says that the programme is “about building momentum for the creative industries in York and the wider region,” adding that “since launching, we’ve brought together thousands of creatives, businesses, cultural organisations and innovators to spark conversations and generate opportunities. This is a movement that is transforming how York connects culture, technology and enterprise, and positioning our region on the national and international stage.”

York-based Aesthetica, with national and international reach, is widely recognised for its BAFTA-Qualifying Short Film Festival, the Aesthetica Art Prize, the Future Now Symposium, and the Creative Business Skills Academy, all of which support artists, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders. Following the presentations, guests will enjoy a special screening of BAFTA-nominated films featured during the festival, underscoring York’s role in nurturing international filmmakers and creative innovators.

Collectively, these initiatives position York as a city that not only hosts culture but actively shapes the creative economy. Partnership working has been central to this approach. York BID has collaborated closely with Aesthetica to ensure the programme aligns with the city’s business and placemaking priorities. As Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, highlights: “working with Aesthetica through Reignite shows how collaboration can strengthen York’s creative and cultural sectors, and the wider economy of York. Together, we’re supporting businesses, attracting new talent and visitors, and helping York continue to thrive as a vibrant, creative, and trailblazing city.”

Production Park and CoStar LiveLab, located just 25 miles from York, form part of a growing cluster of creative infrastructure supporting national and international projects, talent development and research. Their presence demonstrates how regional investment in creative industries can contribute to productivity, innovation and skills development, key priorities within local and national growth strategies.

As York continues to position itself as a leading cultural city, Reignite sits at the intersection of culture, policy and economic development, not only showcasing our region’s world-leading creative outputs, but embedding creativity and culture within the city’s long-term growth and placemaking strategies.

Event details:

Schedule:

  • 17:30 – Arrival
  • 18:00 – Welcome and introduction
  • 18:10 – Presentations by XR Stories, Production Park and CoStar LiveLab
  • 19:10 – Screening of BAFTA-nominated films from the Aesthetica Film Festival
  • 20:00 – Late – Networking, drinks and live DJ

Spaces are limited, and the event is expected to sell out quickly.

Reignite XIII is proudly supported by Aesthetica, York BID, and City Screen Picturehouse, with the vital funding support of David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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