Technology, Innovation & the Future of the Creative Curriculum: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Technology, Innovation & the Future of the Creative Curriculum Conference 2026.

10:00am BST

Opening Remarks: Professor Sean McNamara, LIPA Principal & CEO

Thursday July 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am BST

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is delighted to present Technology, Innovation and the Future of the Creative Curriculum, exploring how Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping creative higher education.

LIPA Principal and CEO, Prof Sean McNamara, welcomes delegates to this academic conference.

Thursday July 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am BST
Paul McCartney Auditorium

Plenary, Opening Remarks

10:15am BST

Keynote Speaker: Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region

Thursday July 9, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am BST

Paul McCartney Auditorium

Speakers

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Raised in Kirkby in a family of eight children, Steve left school at 16 to pursue a career as a bricklayer, starting out as an apprentice. In later years he went on to work for the Learning and Skills Council. Steve began his political career when he was elected to serve as a councillor... Read More →

Thursday July 9, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am BST
Paul McCartney Auditorium

Plenary, Keynote Speaker

10:30am BST

Keynote Panel: Technology, Innovation and the Future of the Creative Curriculum

Thursday July 9, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am BST

Paul McCartney Auditorium

Dr Veronica Skrimsjö hosts this keynote panel discussion with Professor Sabine Jacques (Music Futures, University of Liverpool), Kevin McManus (UNESCO City of Music,Culture Liverpool) Anneliese Midgley MP (DCMS Select Committee) and Keith Mullin (LIPA).

This panel brings together educators, researchers, practitioners and industry leaders from across interdisciplinary fields to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by AI within the creative curriculum. From generative technologies in music and performance to new approaches in assessment, curriculum design and creative practice, the panel will explore the future of learning, technology, innovation and artistic collaboration in higher education.

Speakers

Professor Sabine Jacques

IP & AI Policy Lead, School of Law, Music Futures, University of Liverpool

I am Professor of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Liverpool’s School of Law and Social Justice. Currently, I co-lead the UKRI MusicFutures creative cluster, acting as IP and AI Policy Lead and working towards strengthening Liverpool’s global music ecosystem. There... Read More →

Kevin McManus

Head of UNESCO City of Music, Culture Liverpool

Kevin McManus is currently Head of UNESCO City of Music, based at Culture Liverpool. His role within Culture Liverpool is to lead on and deliver music development activities that support and promote the development of the music sector and economy. My role within Culture Liverpool... Read More →

Anneliese Midgley MP

MP for Knowsley, Houses of Parliament

Anneliese Midgley is the Labour MP for Knowsley, and has been an MP since 2024.

She grew up in Stockbridge Village, then known as Cantril Farm, after her parents moved there from Everton and Liverpool. Anneliese ascribes her upbringing to shaping who she is and why she does the job she does. Her dad worked at the Ford Halewood plant, now Jaguar Land Rover Halewood... Read More →

Keith Mullin

Head of Management, Songwriter, Musician, The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)

Keith is a member of Liverpool band The Farm and works as a freelance music professional. The band’s first album reached number one in the UK and they continue to perform at festivals and UK venues. He has also managed bands and artists, and co-owned independent labels Honey Records... Read More →

Dr Veronica Skrimsjö

Lecturer in Music, Co-Chair of SMPR, The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Society for Music Production Research

As a founding member and co-chair of the Society for Music Production Research (SMPR), I am dedicated to defining and expanding the field of music production studies globally. My research sits at the intersection of media history, material culture, and music consumption, with a specific... Read More →

Thursday July 9, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am BST
Paul McCartney Auditorium

Plenary, Panel Discussion