Kazakh-american free university and university of east london support creative initiatives in Ust-kamenogorsk

A five-year partnership between the Kazakh-American Free University and the University of East London (UEL) is fostering a thriving ecosystem of creative entrepreneurship. Funded by the British Council’s Creative Spark project, this innovative initiative has enabled students, teachers and the wider community to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life.

The initiative has included over 100 seminars, workshops and master classes led by local and international experts in business, IT, creativity and social entrepreneurship. The programme has provided a solid foundation for creative endeavours, equipping participants with the skills they need to work in the creative industries. In addition to classroom learning, 17 KAFU students went on a field trip to London. There, they gained hands-on experience by visiting active creative enterprises, observing their work, and learning from industry professionals. This experience gave them invaluable insight into the practical aspects of running a successful creative business.

Faculty members were also involved. Four KAFU faculty members took part in a specialized training session on integrating creative entrepreneurship skills into the university curriculum. This ensured that future generations of KAFU students graduate with the necessary knowledge to work in the creative economy.

The central event of the partnership was the establishment of a special creative center at KAFU – Creative HUB. This space became a dynamic platform for students to improve their creative skills, collaborate with colleagues, and network with industry professionals. The center contributed to the creation of a vibrant educational environment where innovation and entrepreneurial spirit flourished. The partnership also resulted in the first creative festival in Ust-Kamenogorsk. This unique event became a platform for showcasing the city’s growing creative talent. Over the course of a week, representatives of various creative professions – from photography and design to crafts and fine arts – held master classes and shared their experiences, inspiring and educating the public.

At the end of the five-year project, KAFU held the Creative Week Expo. This citywide event provided a platform for showcasing the work of local photographers, designers, artists and other creative people. The Expo attracted the attention of local government officials who were impressed by the significant progress made in developing the creative industry in the region. This was a testament to the long-term impact of the Creative Spark project. The partnership between KAFU and UEL, initiated by the British Council Creative Spark, has certainly left a significant mark on Ust-Kamenogorsk. It has fostered creative entrepreneurship, enabling students, teachers and the local community to fulfil their potential, and laid the foundation for a thriving creative economy in the city for years to come.