Mid and East Antrim celebrates creativity and opportunity with borough-wide Creative Industries Week
- Love Ballymena
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, has announced Creative Industries Week 2026 which will run from the 16 February with a programme of events taking place.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced the return of its Creative Industries Week, a borough-wide celebration of creativity, innovation and opportunity, running from 16 February 2026.
Designed to support people at every stage of their creative journey, the week will feature a diverse programme of free events, workshops and networking sessions, aimed at inspiring new ideas, developing practical skills and helping creative talent connect and grow.
From those just beginning to explore a business idea to established creative entrepreneurs looking to expand, Creative Industries Week offers opportunities to learn, collaborate and build professional networks across a wide range of creative disciplines.
Supporting creativity at every stage
The programme has been curated to harness the unique energy that comes from bringing ambitious minds and bold ideas together, encouraging collaboration and innovation across the borough.
Announcing Creative Industries Week 2026, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, highlighted the wider impact of the sector on local communities and the economy.
“Our Creative Industries are far more than a sector - they’re a vibrant engine of economic growth, innovation, and community life.
“They help shape the way we connect, communicate, and imagine the future and Council are delighted to deliver these events.
“I am particularly looking forward to the workshops aimed at our young people, with Cinemagic and the Belfast School of Performing Arts delivering crafted experiences to inspire the next generation who will bring new creativity, communication, and tech skills that will connect the Creative Industries in the future and encourage innovation.
“Creativity drives opportunity and it spills over into every corner of our economy, fuelling new technologies, strengthening social bonds, and helping places thrive.
“Whether through film, games, design, or digital media, the Creative Industries sector doesn’t just reflect the world around us - it reimagines it, enriches it, and brings people together.”
Crafted Futures: turning creativity into enterprise
A key highlight of the week is the ‘Crafted Futures: Make, Learn, Sell’ programme, a week-long initiative designed to help participants unlock their creativity while gaining hands-on experience and practical insight into turning a passion for making into a sustainable business idea.
The programme will culminate in a special showcase event, offering participants the chance to present and celebrate their creations, while connecting with others who share similar ambitions.
This element of the programme places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, offering a supportive starting point for anyone considering transforming a hobby into a viable creative enterprise.
Hands-on workshops across the borough
Creative Industries Week will feature an extensive range of public workshops taking place across Mid and East Antrim, encouraging creative exploration while providing accessible, practical skills.
Sessions include:
Floriography
Cameraphone Photography
Reel Creation
Photography Skills
Lino Printing
Sewing and Design
Jewellery Making
Baking Demonstrations
Each workshop has been designed to be welcoming to beginners while still offering valuable learning for those with existing experience.
Inspiring the next generation
Young people will also be at the heart of Creative Industries Week, with a series of school-focused events aimed at sparking early interest in creative careers.
These include behind-the-scenes explorations of special effects makeup and animation with Cinemagic, an introduction to theatre with Peter Corry’s Belfast School of Performing Arts delivered in partnership with the Council’s Arts and Culture team, and insight into the wide range of roles within a real-life music studio environment.
Each session aims to broaden understanding of the creative industries and highlight the diverse career pathways available within the sector.
A week to inspire confidence and ambition
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council hopes the programme will provide the spark that inspires the next chapter in many local creative journeys, leaving participants feeling informed, supported and confident to pursue their ambitions.
The full programme of events and booking links are available on the Council’s website at:
For further information, contact: