Northern Design Festival 2025 shines a light on Transparency in the creative industry

The Northern Design Festival (NDF) is set to return for its second edition, bringing together designers, industry leaders, and emerging creatives in a bold effort to challenge hidden barriers in the creative sector.

The festival, which will take place in Lancaster from 15–17 May 2025, will centre on the theme of ‘Transparency. ' It aims to foster open and accessible career pathways in a field often clouded by exclusivity and unspoken rules.

Hosted across three key venues—The Storey, Fraser House, and Assembly Arts—NDF 2025 will feature an inspiring programme of talks, workshops, and networking events. The festival’s directors, Niamh Cartwright and Antonia Arbova hope to spark necessary conversations about the realities of the creative industry, moving beyond its polished surface to address the obstacles that many designers face in building sustainable careers.

Challenging the illusion of instant Success

From ambiguous job expectations to the pressure of social media-fuelled career narratives, the creative industry can often appear opaque to those trying to break in. Many young creatives struggle with unclear career pathways, inconsistent mentorship opportunities, and an industry that can feel closed off to those without the right connections.

“The festival is about tearing down these barriers,” said Cartwright and Arbova. “We want to make the industry more open by tackling issues of accessibility, unrealistic expectations, and the hidden gatekeeping that keeps so many talented creatives from progressing.”

NDF 2025 is committed to shifting the conversation towards a more transparent and inclusive future. Through candid discussions on career setbacks, financial realities, and the evolution of design in a post-pandemic world, the festival will equip creatives with the knowledge and networks they need to navigate their careers more confidently.

Decentralising design: Creativity Beyond London

Another core aim of NDF 2025 is to challenge the notion that meaningful creative careers are only viable in London. The UK’s design economy remains highly centralised, with the 2022 Design Economy Report revealing that 60% of the country’s design workforce is based in London and the South East. However, regional cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are thriving design hubs, and NDF seeks to spotlight these growing creative communities.

By hosting the festival in Lancaster, NDF highlights the importance of regional talent and the wealth of opportunities that exist outside the capital. The event’s carefully curated programme will showcase a diverse range of voices from across the UK, demonstrating that a successful design career can be built anywhere, not just in London’s orbit.

Industry expertise driving change

To further its mission of openness and accessibility, NDF 2025 has introduced an Advisory Board, bringing together industry professionals who share the festival’s commitment to a more transparent creative landscape. The board includes key figures such as Kyle Soo (B Lab), Luigi Carnovale (Designlsc), Sana Iqbal (Studio Sana), Emily Sharma (M1 Studio), Katy Cowan (Creative Boom), Adrian Gradinar (Lancaster University), Louiza Cookson-Rabouhi (Magnetic), Charlie Haywood (Hotfoot), and Daisy Crowder (Craft). Their collective experience will help shape the festival’s content, ensuring it remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful.

In addition, NDF 2025 is supported by a range of industry sponsors, including Fedrigoni, Kellanova, Pentawards, Abbey Bamford Creative Communications, Hotfoot, Lancaster University School of Design, University of Cumbria, Assembly Arts, and Fraser House. Their backing further solidifies the festival’s role as a key platform for fostering meaningful discussions and driving real change within the creative industry.

A platform for open dialogue

With a focus on honest conversations and practical insights, NDF 2025 is positioning itself as more than just a design festival—it is a movement towards a more equitable creative industry. The event will provide attendees with opportunities to engage with leading figures in the field, gain valuable insights into career progression, and challenge outdated norms that continue to shape the industry.

As the festival approaches, more details on speakers and ticket sales will be announced. For updates, follow NDF on social media and visit their newly launched website.

By fostering transparency, accessibility, and regional representation, Northern Design Festival 2025 is setting a precedent for a creative industry that values openness and inclusivity—an industry where talent can thrive, regardless of postcode or pedigree.