Shakespeare's Globe to bring major media and cultural names to York

Shakespeare’s Globe is coming to York – and bringing some of the leading names in British media and culture with it.

York has been chosen to host the Globe’s annual networking event, Interface. The event will take place at the end of June, exact date and venue to be announced.

It is designed to introduce digital artists, designers and developers based outside London to big cultural organisations.

In previous years partners have included…

the BBC

Channel 4

the National Theatre

Penguin books

the Tate

London’s Barbican

Imperial War Museums

Glyndebourne

the V&A

the Royal Albert Hall.

Chance to win commissions

Shakespeare’s Globe is not only the reconstructed 16th century theatre on the bank of the Thames in London. It is also an organisation which seeks “to further the experience and international understanding of Shakespeare in performance”.

These partners all send senior decision makers to Interface, and have commissioning budgets for the year ahead.

The idea is that even young creative start-ups have a real opportunity to secure high profile commissions.

Ahead of the event cultural partners specify areas of work that they will be seeking to commission over the coming year.

The digital suppliers detail their specific capabilities. Potential cultural areas of work are cross-referenced with suppliers’ specialisms to create bespoke appointment schedules.

So small York businesses have a good chance to work with some big media and cultural names.

York’s designation as Britain’s first UNESCO City of Media Arts helped bring the event here, organisers said.

York’s status as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Media Arts indicates the city’s commitment to developing digital and creative skills and encouraging business within the region.

The digital community is thriving and we are delighted that Interface will act as a catalyst to partner that talent with UK’s leading arts organisations.

— Neil Constable, chief executive, Shakespeare’s Globe

Heather Niven, head of Science City York, said she was delighted the event is coming here.

Interface’s commitment to York demonstrates the strength seen in our creative sector and the difference UNESCO designation can make.

Call for designers

Digital artists around York are already invited to submit ideas for a visual identity for this year’s Interface.

The commission is worth £800, plus the chance to become an approved supplier to The Globe and add names to your client portfolio like the V&A, National Theatre and BBC.

If you are a graphic design freelancer, start-up or small business operating from or living in Yorkshire you are eligible to apply.

To find out more and to enter go here.

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