The All-Party Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group was delighted to support The Great Debate at Design Manchester on 2018. Taking the theme of "All Schools Should Be Art Schools?" based on Bob and Roberta Smith's 2017 installation at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (pictured), the discussion brought together leading figures from across the sector to discuss how creative education can be supported by government, business and academics. 

Held at Manchester School of Art, the panel debated the role of creative subjects in education, pathways into the creative industries, and growing demand for creative skills in the economy. The event was chaired by Design Manchester's Kasper de Graaf and included:

• Joanne Roney: Chief Executive, Manchester City Council Chief Executive 
• Lou Cordwell: CEO, magneticNorth
• Ellie Runcie: Director of Growth and Innovation, Design Council
• Lisa O'Loughlin: Principal, Manchester College 
• Jack Tindale: Manager, APDIG

The discussion was wide-ranging an included a number of contributions from the audience, ranging from the contribution of the creative industries on the wider economy, to the role of design and technology in schools, to the impact of Brexit on IP and international research partnerships.  

A full audio recording of the event, with images, is available on YouTube. All photography by Sebastian Matthes (Manox) for Design Manchester. 

The event was produced by Images&Co and The Boot Room for Design Manchester and held in association with the All Party Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group Debate sponsored by AHRC Creative Economy Programme. 

A further event write-up was provided by The Mancunian newspaper.