UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO Celebrates Landmark Success with Over 3,000 Attendees, Fuelling the Creative Economy in York & North Yorkshire

The first-ever UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO, organised by Aesthetica in partnership with Make It York and the Combined Authority, has set a powerful precedent for the future of the creative industries in York and North Yorkshire. With over 3,000 visitors flocking to York’s Guildhall, the EXPO became a vibrant focal point for celebrating innovation, creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration in digital media, film, art and technology.

The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO featured an inspiring line-up of exhibitors and participants who showcased their work across a variety of media, illustrating the region’s robust and expanding creative sector. The list of distinguished exhibitors included:

• Aesthetica Magazine – one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary art and culture, renowned for its insight and reach in the creative industries.
• XR Stories – a pioneering organization in immersive technology, working at the intersection of storytelling and cutting-edge XR.
• Pilot Theatre – a national touring theatre company based in York, known for integrating technology with narrative.
• Viridian FX – a VFX powerhouse, specialising in “invisible effects” for high-end TV and film, such as HBO’s House of the Dragon, and in-house experimental storytelling projects.
• Peel X – an award-winning and pioneering studio, leading the way in immersive storytelling using XR.
• Orillo – a York-based, award-winning production company that makes a range of film content, including advertising, documentary, music and features, and has worked with huge international clients such as Adidas, Pepsi & Beats by Dre.
• The Distance — an award-winning company that has been creating apps since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007 and is one of the top three developers in the UK.

The event also hosted pioneering tech companies, independent artists, and digital studios who presented interactive installations, VR experiences, and workshops, establishing York as a thriving hub for digital and media arts.

The full list of exhibitors includes: Aesthetica, Art is My Career, Ay-Pe, Bright White, Button Down Productions, Creative Business Skills Academy, Last Maps Illustrations, Orillo Productions, Peel X, Pollen Studios, Pilot Theatre, Revolution Software, The Distance, Viridian FX, and XR Stories

Showcasing Talent, Paving the Way for Economic Growth

As a UNESCO City of Media Arts, York has a unique responsibility and opportunity to nurture its creative industries. The EXPO succeeded in doing just that, providing a platform for regional creatives to exhibit their work, connect with potential collaborators, and gain insights from national and international experts. The support from Make It York has been pivotal, with the city marketing organisation’s extensive networks, strategic initiatives, and promotion of local businesses drawing in attendees from across the UK and the world.

The North Yorkshire Combined Authority also played a crucial role in this achievement. Through funding and advocacy, the Authority has strengthened the infrastructure for creative industries across York and North Yorkshire, recognizing the sector’s potential to drive economic resilience and job creation in the region.

Cherie Federico, Director at Aesthetica and organiser of the EXPO, highlighted the event’s vision, stating, “We want York to be synonymous with creativity, innovation and digital expression. The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is an opportunity to showcase the diversity and vitality of our creative industries and illustrate how they can fuel economic growth. By supporting our artists, tech innovators and digital pioneers, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.”

Building a Creative Ecosystem for the Future

The EXPO engaged participants in thought-provoking dialogue about the creative sector’s future in York and North Yorkshire. By uniting creative practitioners, business leaders, academics, and policymakers, the event forged valuable partnerships and networks that will drive future growth in the industry. This collaborative approach is key to advancing York’s position on the global stage as a city of media arts and as a role model for other UNESCO Creative Cities worldwide.

The presence of Aesthetica Magazine, as well as the prestigious BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and Art Prize, underscored York’s commitment to celebrating creativity on a global scale. These events draw international artists, filmmakers, and audiences to the region each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local economy and reinforcing York’s reputation as a cultural capital. The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO has now become an extension of this ongoing legacy, solidifying York’s place as a dynamic player in the international creative landscape.

Looking Ahead: Creativity as a Driver for Economic Resilience

The success of the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO has underscored the economic potential of the creative industries for York & North Yorkshire. According to a report by the Creative Industries Federation, the creative sector is growing at twice the rate of the UK economy. In York, this growth is even more pronounced, with a steady rise in creative start-ups and the expansion of digital firms bringing high-skilled jobs to the area.

The EXPO is a milestone in a larger vision for economic development driven by creativity, digital innovation, and cultural heritage. Make It York and the Combined Authority are committed to furthering this agenda, ensuring that the creative sector remains a key pillar of the regional economy. Through continued investment in events like the EXPO, York is paving the way for an ecosystem where artists, technologists, and entrepreneurs can flourish, and where creativity is harnessed as a tool for long-term economic resilience.

For further information about the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO, please visit mediacityexpo.com