Creative Shift Connect To: Meet Up (16th Apr 2026)

Each month during term time, usually on the first Thursday of the month we meet in person to hear from a guest industry speaker and catch up, connect and share our creativity.

We are a community who understand that taking steps to share your creative work and get paid isn't easy. When you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, shout out projects you’re working on and hear about more Creative Shift opportunities and events you can get involved with. We are always sharing tips and tricks to help you move forward, make money and find paid roles, to help bridge the gap between education and industry.

At our Meet Ups, speakers have prepared workshops and activities to inspire your creative journey, learn new skills/ and connect whilst you make. This creates an opportunity for you to get to the know the speaker a bit more and network with each other.

Plus, we provide free food and drinks for you to enjoy too!

What to Expect?

Every Meet Up is from 5:30 - 8pm

• Check in
• Speaker's talk
• Q&A
• Group picture
• Check out
• Network

Every month we have a similar format but explore a different topic or skill with a new industry guest speaker.

When are the Meet Ups?

This year we have 8 Meet Ups, you're welcome to join as many as you like, we'd love to see you at all 8 but understand if for any reason you can't make it.

They're usually on the second Thursday of the month. All dates are included below:

1. Thurs 6 Nov 2025 @ CSM, A002
2. Tues 9 Dec 2025 @ LCC, M404
3. Thurs 15 Jan 2026 @ CSM, C303
4. Thurs 5 Feb 2026 @ CSM, C303
5. Thurs 16 Apr 2026 @ CSM, C202
6. Thurs 14 May 2026 @ CCW
7. Thurs 11 Jun 2026 @ LCC
8. Thurs 9 Jul 2026 @ LCF
9. Summer Social, tbd

To keep up with us and find out first who our next speaker will be follow our Instagram @ual_creativeshift.

Who is this event for?

Creative Shift acknowledges the barriers that exist for students from underrepresented backgrounds in Higher Education and in the creative industries.

Our programme prioritises students from underrepresented backgrounds in Higher Education and in the creative industries. We work together to co-create spaces and projects that mirror the future of the creative industries and the diverse voices that will contribute to them.

In line with UAL's Access and Participation Plan, you must meet both of these requirements:

1) I am currently a Home (UK) student studying on an undergraduate degree course at UAL or graduated within the last 5 years.

And

2) One or more of the following statements apply to you:

• I am Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.)* student
• I took part in the UAL Insights programme
• I am a Care Leaver (I have been in the Care system)
• I have a disability according to the Equality Act 2010
• My parent(s)/ guardian(s) have not completed a University Degree
• I have caring responsibilities (i.e I am a parent, or am the primary care giver for a child/children, disabled person/s or elderly family member for example)
• I recieve the UAL bursary as part of my student finance

*We note that this language is contested and different terminology is used in different contexts and places. However as the Higher Education sector, HESA and Census data uses the terminology B.A.M.E. we will continue to use this language at UAL. Please note that we will be considering our language and terminology on an ongoing basis. We will continue to reflect on sector language and best practice.

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Positionality (privilege/power): if you’re in a dominant identity please consider how you are making space for others in the space /if you are in a marginalised identity consider practicing taking up space with us.

Statement credit: Healing Justice Ldn (HJL), Community Agreements

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If you have any questions please contact creativeshift@arts.ac.uk

FAQs:

I do not meet /only partially meet the eligibility criteria. Can I still apply? This programme is aimed at those that meet the eligibility criteria stated above. In some cases we do hold limited spaces for UAL students or graduates who do not meet this criteria. If you are unsure and would like to check this with us please contact us at creativeshift@arts.ac.uk and put the event title in the subject line.

Who can I contact about my access requirements? If you believe there are any barriers to your participation in this event, or you have any access requirements you wish to discuss, we are happy to talk to you. Please contact us in advance by emailing creativeshift@arts.ac.uk and put the title of the event as the subject line.

Any other questions please do get in touch with us at creativeshift@arts.ac.uk