COMBINE/HARVEST: Researching A digital Arts Incubator

Partner: Mediale

Commissioned by: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

At York Creatives, we believe that our region is bursting with world-class creative talent. But to truly put York and North Yorkshire on the global map for cultural and heritage innovation, our community needs the right spaces, resources, and support networks to scale up.

That’s why we teamed up with our friends at Mediale to deliver a major new feasibility study for an ambitious initiative: Combine/Harvest.

What is Combine/Harvest?

Combine/Harvest is a proposed digital creativity incubator designed specifically for our region. The goal is to build a sustainable, future-facing ecosystem where creative practitioners can explore, experiment, and push the boundaries of digital and heritage innovation.

Instead of keeping all the resources locked away in a single city centre, the project looks at the bigger picture. The vision outlines an initial three-year programme featuring intensive six-month residencies strategically spread across six distinct areas of York and North Yorkshire. By placing artists and creators right at the heart of these diverse communities, the project aims to unlock local stories and supercharge regional creative tech.

Our Role in the Project

As the grassroots voice of York's creative community, we partnered with Mediale to ensure this study was deeply informed by the real-world needs, challenges, and aspirations of local creatives and communities, and who’s perspectives directly shaped the final report, helping us advocate for a system that actually works for independent creators and small creative studios.

What's Next?

The feasibility study has been delivered to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Now that the groundwork is laid, the real work begins. We are actively collaborating with Mediale to develop pilot programmes and secure the funding and support needed to turn this vision into a reality.

Dive Into the Report

Want to see the data, insights, and full vision for the future of digital creativity in our region? You can read the full report right now here:

👉 Download the Combine/Harvest Report

Keen to get involved, collaborate, or find out how your creative practice fits into the pilot phase? Drop us a message at john@yorkcreatives.com or find us at our next monthly Creative Drinks.