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UAL Creative Hack

Collaborate and create for positive change

UAL Creative Hack is a creative hackathon, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to work collaboratively to innovate, create and present their ideas to address social and environmental challenges and create positive change.

There was £3,000 worth of prize money awarded to the most innovative ideas and teamwork.

The Creative Hack took place in person, at 272 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EY over three days:

Monday 6 February 4-8pm
Tuesday 7 February 9.30am-5pm
Wednesday 8 February 9.30am-7pm

How it works

At the beginning of the event teams are formed who then work together to create an innovative solution which addresses one of the following themes:

  1. Environmental Sustainability
    The Environmental sustainability theme looks to create innovations and ideas to reduce carbon emissions and waste in London, and improve the quality of the city environment.
  2. Responsible Technology The Responsible Technology theme explores developing and using emerging technologies and digital innovations to drive positive change with minimal negative impact.
  3. Social Justice and Equality
    The Social Justice and Equality theme explores how to help balance the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges to make London a safer, healthier, happier and fairer place for all.

Each team will then pitch their idea to a panel of expert judges who will award the prizes.

Support to take part

During the event there will be:

  • Workshops and keynote speakers to inspire you
  • Access to industry experts and mentors who will support you to develop your business idea
  • Breakfast, lunch and drinks will be provided (*)
  • Potential to win monetary prizes
  • London travel expenses covered for UK students from underprivileged backgrounds (**)

(*) availability will vary on different days
(**) criteria applies

If you have any questions or believe there are any barriers to your participation in this event, or you have any access requirements you wish to discuss, we would be happy to talk to you. Please contact careersevents@arts.ac.uk

Eligibility

To apply for the UAL Creative Hack, you must be:

  • A BA/MA student or graduate (up to 2 years after graduation) from any UAL College or Institution.
  • Able to attend the full 3 days of the event.

No experience or understanding of business is necessary for you to apply, just a creative and collaborative attitude!

We particularly welcome applications from those currently underrepresented in the creative and digital industries. This includes students and graduates who are: disabled or have a specific learning disability; Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic; LGBTQ+; are the first in their family to attend university; or are from a low socio-economic background.

Selection criteria

Participants will be selected based on:

  • How connected the theme is to their practice or career journey.
  • The proposed benefits received from attending.
  • What they can contribute to and learn from a team.
  • Creating diverse teams across themes (for example mixed colleges, courses, year groups and skills).

Applications are now closed for the 2023 Creative Hack.

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