Why we gather
The Creative Thinking Festival brings educators and industry into the same room to think together about what young people actually need to thrive.
Through learner stories, real-world challenges and hands-on collaboration, the festival creates space for creativity, purpose and storytelling to meaningfully connect classrooms and workplaces.
Now in its second year, this isn't a showcase. It's a working conversation, because the future of learning and work won't shape itself.
What if we get it right?
It's never been more important for education and industry to be in the same space. We are all involved in the future of the workforce and the next generation. Hear what Helena Good, Managing Director of Daydream Believers, had to say about this year's festival in Edinburgh.
The Creative Thinking Festival isn't a showcase. It's a space where educators and industry professionals think together about the skills, values and mindsets young people need to thrive.
But the real work doesn't just happen on the day. It happens in between partners and teachers working together, creating the stories we share when we gather. The festival is where those stories land.
If you care about the future of talent, learning and opportunity, this is how you can get involved:
Education & Industry
What’s in it for education?
Educators can innovate by discovering new methods for diverse learning styles, connect globally to share best practices, and use storytelling to meaningfully link classroom teaching with real-world industry challenges.
What’s in it for industry?
Industry and professionals can help shape the future workforce by bringing creative processes and insights into schools, collaborating with educators to unlock collective innovation, and showcasing ideas that push boundaries.
Stories from
the festival
Imagine if every idea, every perspective, every thought came together to form a vibrant and interconnected whole. We may seem like small cogs in a vast wheel, but when we come together, the possibilities are infinite.
Listen to what others that attended the festival said about it.
Alice Durand
Industry
Social Impact Delivery Lead - OpenCast
“My hope for our work with the festival and Daydream Believers is that we can bring the power of the creative process into schools and education.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Euan MacLean
Education
Design Technology Teacher - Dunfermline High School
“Its been scary and also really exciting to try these new things and see all the different possibilites and things we can bring into the class room.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Rodney Mountain
Industry
Lead for Healthcare Design and Innovation - NHS
“Looking around the room and seeing people sitting around the table and actually being creative is magic - there is something special happing here.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Caitlin Freeburn
Education
Student - Glasgow School of Art
“There is hope out there that I can do amazing things with creativity and there is a place that celebrated that.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
You could be here in 2027.
Your brand. Your story.
Discover more about the dedicated team behind the festival that are looking to inspire the next generation of learners
Contact us
Got a question about the Creative Thinking Festival or interested in attending one of our future events? Get in touch.