Fast way for SMEs to work with big creative names

Ten of the biggest names in the UK’s cultural and creative industries will gather to meet and commission local creative start-ups and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) at Interface, which has been created by Shakespeare’s Globe and will be hosted by York, in recognition of its role as the UNESCO City of Media Arts.

On September 9, 32 start-up companies from York will have the chance for face-to-face commissioning opportunities with the budget holders from a number of cultural institutions.

These have now been confirmed as BAFTA, the BBC, the British Film Institute, the London Philharmonic Orchestra , the National Theatre of Scotland, Rambert, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Court, the Royal Opera House, and Shakespeare’s Globe.

A spokesman for Shakespeare’s Globe said: “Partner institutions attending must have budget ring-fenced for digital and media arts commissioning in the next twelve months, making every meeting a genuine business opportunity.”

The event, which is being held at York St John University, is free for participants, and only 32 start-ups from York will be chosen.

Companies interested in applying should visit shakespearesglobe.com/interface. Applications close on August 21.

Paul Shuter, Shakespeare Globe’s head of business development said a lot of interesting things in the digital world happen with start-up companies. It’s quite difficult for start-ups to speak with major cultural organisations.

“It provides a speed-dating forum for fledgling and innovative businesses. We want to get away from this assumption that everything happens in London and the south east.”

Those taking part could emulate the success of Sam Bourner, a producer at animation studio Persistent Peril, who attended Interface 2013.

Mr Bourner said: “Interface led to us working directly with Shakespeare’s Globe and Barbican. Since then we have secured London-based representation, employed more freelance staff, and expanded our studios.”

Interface was created in 2013 by Globe Education at Shakespeare’s Globe, as part of a strategy to address the difficulties faced by SMEs in making contact with companies who commission major projects.

It also aims to make the arts sector less London-centric by stimulating growth among the creative sector in the regions.

A spokesman said: “The event moves to a different location each year outside of London, helping to catalyse digital growth and feed the economy across the country.

“It was first held in Brighton in 2013 and Bristol in 2014. The move to York comes as the city’s vibrant digital arts scene is recognised by UNESCO.”

Alison Atkinson, the digital projects director at the London Philharmonic Orchestra, told The Yorkshire Post: “We are looking for new ways to reach really diverse sets of audiences. The digital medium is becoming increasingly important. We are looking to meet companies with lots of ideas and lots of energy.”