University of Wales calls for creativity in downturn

The University of Wales, Newport, occupied the East Wintergarden for its three-day Creative Capital event, also hosting talks from BBC News presenter Huw Edwards and Virgin Money executive chairman Jayne-Anne Gadhia.

Mr Hemingway - who started Red of Dead during a recession in 1981 - said: "The creative industries are a growing success story in the British economy and there's never been a better time to embrace creativity.

"For many it's proving a passport to negotiate this downturn."

The work of second and third year fashion students was whisked along the catwalk on Wednesday, and the university launched several initiatives during the previous two days.

They included an Institute of Advanced Broadcasting, which will look into the effect of digital convergence on broadcasting, an Entrepreneurship Foundation to develop promising business people, a Creative Industry Portal to link businesses to new music and fashion talent, and an interactive ideas workshop known as a Sandpit.

Derek Lawther, dean of Newport School of Art, Media and Design, said: "It's a big departure for us.

"We're moving towards a much more commercial approach to how we deliver education.

"Entrepreneurship is the answer. Our students will survive by setting up their own businesses while still at university.

"We now have a model which is transportable anywhere in the world, and Canary Wharf seemed to be the right place to display it.

"Higher education has to make significant savings as the rest of the country is doing. But we see the work we're doing with students as building the future."

For more details visit creative-capital.co.uk or newport.ac.uk