Creativity and AI: Free and Open-source AI Tools and Platforms

The third and final event of the 2026 CreaTech Network Series explores the role of free and open-source AI tools and platforms in creative and cultural practice, and how open technologies can support collaboration, innovation and sustainable development across the sector.

This event will focus on the development and use of free and open-source software for machine learning and AI, and how these tools are being applied across creative industries, cultural organisations, academia and SMEs. It will consider opportunities for collaboration, skills development and community-led approaches to AI, as well as the challenges of building and sustaining open ecosystems.

The session will include short talks from academic, community and industry speakers, followed by a panel discussion and open Q&A. Speakers will be confirmed shortly. The event is intended to bring together researchers, developers, creatives and industry partners to share experience and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Location: SISTER, Renold Building
Date: Thursday 25 June 2026

Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

This event forms part of a three-part CreaTech Network Series running between February and June 2026, designed to strengthen connections across the CreaTech ecosystem in Greater Manchester and the North West, and to support collaboration between the University and the wider creative and cultural industries community.

is a highly interdisciplinary network that operates across the whole range of the University’s digital research. We aim to present a coherent overview of The University of Manchester's digital research activity to external stakeholders and bring together research communities to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities.

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is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: Creative Manchester.

Register here to receive regular updates on upcoming Creative Manchester news, events and funding opportunities. You can also connect with Creative Manchester via X, Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

(TIC) is a new not-for-profit focussed on catalysing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem across Greater Manchester, using AI to power the growth of careers, businesses and the regional economy. TIC is funded as part of the GM Innovation Accelerator and is being incubated within the University of Manchester. Please visit the website for more information about TIC.

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