Creativity and AI: Free and Open-source AI Tools and Platforms
25th June 2026
Find Out More →Free
- Age Friendly
Exploring how free and open-source AI tools support collaboration and innovation across creative industries and culture.
The third and final event in 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 enable collaboration, innovation and sustainable development across the sector.
The session focuses on the development and application of free and open-source software for machine learning and AI, and how these tools are being used across creative industries, cultural organisations, academia and SMEs. It considers opportunities for collaboration, skills development and community-led approaches to AI, alongside the challenges of building and sustaining open ecosystems.
Featuring short talks from academic, community and industry speakers (to be confirmed), the event will be followed by a panel discussion and open Q&A. It brings together researchers, developers, creatives and industry partners to share experience and explore opportunities for collaboration.
This event forms part of a three-part CreaTech Network Series running from February to 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.
About Digital Futures
Digital Futures is a highly interdisciplinary network spanning the University of Manchester’s digital research activity. It brings together research communities to present a coherent overview of digital research to external stakeholders and explore new strategic opportunities.
About Creative Manchester
Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform at the University of Manchester that champions research in creativity and creative practice, connecting researchers with external partners to explore new ideas and opportunities.
About Turing Innovation Catalyst
Turing Innovation Catalyst (TIC) is a not-for-profit organisation catalysing an AI ecosystem across Greater Manchester, supporting growth in careers, businesses and the regional economy. It is funded through the GM Innovation Accelerator and incubated within the University of Manchester.
