A major two-day event exploring how new technology is changing the way audiences interact with arts and culture is taking place in Sunderland next month.
Following a successful pilot in 2025, Culture House Sunderland is set to host the first full-scale Creative Smart City Symposium on 17 and 18 September.
Developed in collaboration with Immersive UK and Crossover Labs, the event will explore how emerging technologies are transforming creativity, culture, audience engagement and place-making.
Bringing together artists, technologists, innovators, policymakers and cultural leaders from across the UK, the symposium positions Sunderland as a centre for innovation and creative thinking in the North East.
The pilot event last year brought together a small group of industry professionals to test the concept and identify opportunities for collaboration across the immersive and creative technology sectors.
The strength of response has led to the development of a significantly expanded programme for 2026, featuring leading industry figures from around the country.
Cllr Ciera Hudspith, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said: “The Creative Smart City Symposium is a great opportunity to bring together people from across the cultural, creative and technology sectors to share ideas, build connections and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Sunderland has a growing reputation as a city that supports creativity and innovation, and we’re delighted to welcome delegates from across the UK to be part of that conversation.
Leanne Littlewood, Culture House Director and Head of Cultural Services, said: “Last year’s symposium started as a conversation. We brought together a small group of
practitioners, innovators and cultural leaders to explore the relationship between creativity, technology and place.
“The enthusiasm and appetite for that conversation was extraordinary, and this year’s event is the natural next step. We’re delighted to be working alongside Immersive UK and XO Labs to deliver a much larger programme that will attract speakers, thinkers and creative practitioners from across the country.
“Sunderland has a growing reputation for innovation, culture and collaboration. The Creative Smart City Symposium reflects our ambition to be part of shaping the future of immersive culture, creative technology and smart city thinking. By bringing those conversations to Sunderland, we’re creating opportunities for local creatives, businesses, students and communities to connect with new ideas, build partnerships and benefit from the opportunities that innovation can bring to the city”.
With the theme of ‘Where Creativity Meets Tomorrow’, the symposium will showcase how creative technologies are reshaping the way people experience culture, interact with places and imagine the future of cities and communities.
The programme includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, practical workshops and networking, featuring pioneering immersive artists, creative technologists, digital storytellers and industry leaders working at the forefront of innovation.
The symposium will explore topics including: immersive storytelling and experiences; creative technology and digital innovation; smart cities and future place-making; audience engagement and participation; artificial intelligence and emerging technologies; digital culture and the future creative economy; and innovation in arts, heritage and cultural programming.
The event is open to artists, creative practitioners, educators, students, cultural organisations, local authorities, policymakers, technology professionals and anyone interested in how innovation is shaping the future of creativity and communities.
Participants will gain insight into emerging trends, discover new technologies, learn from industry experts and build valuable connections across sectors.
The event is taking place on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September at Culture House Sunderland. Tickets are £5 and can be bought at https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/creative-smart-city-symposium-2026/
For more information about Culture House Sunderland visit https://culturehousesunderland.co.uk
