News

Exploring Human Connection in a Digital Future: Leaders Share Insights on Inclusion, Innovation, and Creativity

08 Oct 2025

Last week, a unique Arts & Business NI breakfast event brought together leaders from across business, academia, and the arts to explore the theme Human Connection in a Digital Future. Hosted at CoSTAR Screen Lab, a state-of-the-art virtual production facility in partnership with Ulster University Business School, the event highlighted how people-centred approaches to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are shaping innovation across sectors.

Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, opened the event, commenting: “As committed partners with Arts & Business NI, Ulster University is delighted to continue to take proactive stances on equality, diversity and inclusion. This event demonstrates how through a partnership approach across faculties, with the business community and the creative arts sector we can gain fresh thinking around organisational culture that positively impacts business results. The CoSTAR Screen Lab at Studio Ulster provided the ideal location to showcase these important themes.”

Speakers throughout the morning built on this message, each spotlighting how keeping people at the centre of innovation leads to more inclusive cultures and unlocks creative outcomes.

From the business community, Caroline van der Feltz, HR Director at Danske Bank UK, shared how the bank invests in its people, fosters a culture of openness, and embeds diversity, inclusion, and belonging across the organisation. She also explored how AI and technology can be harnessed to enhance workplace accessibility.

Turning to the screen industries, Professors Karen Fleming and Frank Lyons MBE, Co-Directors of CoSTAR Screen Lab, showcased how their S.U.R.F. programme is breaking down barriers in the screen sector by opening opportunities for young people in both urban and rural communities and from across socioeconomic classes.

The arts sector also offered powerful perspectives. Eileen Branagh, CEO, and Mark Cousins, Communications & Development Assistant at Open Arts, spoke openly about the lived experiences of disabled people and shared practical strategies for inclusion. Their charity works to improve the artistic and creative lives of disabled people and also offers a Chatting for Change programme for businesses which presents the unique opportunity to learn from disabled people though Living Library events.

Paula McFetridge, Artistic Director of Kabosh, spoke about the role of theatre in challenging perceptions and amplifying voices that are often unheard. She highlighted Kabosh’s expertise in socially engaged projects and encouraged businesses to consider the creative sector as a partner. She commented: “If your organisation has an EDI issue that could benefit from being explored creatively, Kabosh is your go-to. Alternatively, a staff development day built around one of our unique productions is guaranteed to spark fresh thinking and inspire new water-cooler conversations.”

Speaking about the event Maeve McKervey, Head of Business at Arts & Business NI summarised: “This event brought together speakers from across diverse sectors, but together, they underlined a shared message: when people are placed at the heart of workplaces, when connection and inclusion are prioritised, diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Such environments attract and retain top talent, and they unlock innovation by allowing creativity to thrive.”

Arts & Business NI is a creative membership network, which champions the value of the arts in Northern Ireland and brings creativity to business organisations. If you'd like to find out more about A&BNI and how you can join their creative network get in touch.