IN COLLABORATION WITH

The
Black Creatives

Lab

ONE-DAY
IMMERSIVE Q&A PANEL.
WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASS.


​Brought to you by Black at Sussex and The Kusp;
The Black Creatives Lab is a one-day immersive experience designed to support, celebrate, and elevate Black students interested in careers across the creative industries.

A space created to connect Black students with industry leaders who look like you, to develop your skills and professional development.

WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL 2026
12:00pm - 5:00pm

This experience is exclusive to current students and alumni of the University of Sussex.

What we have planned

Hear directly from Black industry leaders; Liy Grant, a Creative at Mother London, and Selicia Richards-Turney, co-founder at The Shift and former Brand Marketing Manager at Uber UK; as they share insider perspectives on breaking into and thriving in the creative industries during an intimate Q&A panel. Then roll up your sleeves for two dynamic workshops where you'll;

  • master the art of briefing and developing creative ideas for media

  • learn to build a personal brand that opens doors

We will cap off the experience with a networking mixer, where you'll forge genuine connections with fellow students, creatives and industry professionals who can help shape your future.

Liy Grant

Liy is a Creative, currently at Mother London, where she has worked with brands like IKEA, Samsung, Uber, KFC and H&M. She went into HR and payroll thinking empathy would be the job, but quickly realised it was more spreadsheets than people. While studying Advertising and Brand Design at Ravensbourne, she moved into the creative world instead and has not looked back. In just a few years she has picked up multiple awards, including two Gold Lions at Cannes, and built a reputation for culturally sharp, people first storytelling. Outside work she mentors, hosts, writes, coaches and manages artists. Call it range (or just call it being an oldest sibling)

Selicia Richards-Turney

Partner and Brand Strategy Director at ChillCreate and co-founder of Power Circles. With 18 years' experience across media, travel, and tech, she's led major inclusion initiatives including founding VICE Media UK's Diversity Board and co-leading Black @Uber ERG.

Through consultancy, Selicia transforms organisational culture and brand expression to reflect today's diverse world, championing actionable change and empowering authentic leadership.

〰️

The Black Creatives Lab

〰️ The Black Creatives Lab

Agenda

Arrivals | 12:00pm

Panel talk | 12:45pm

Break | 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Workshop 1: Briefing and Developing Ideas | 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Workshop 2: Building Your Personal Brand | 3:15pm - 4:15pm

Networking | 4:15pm - 5:00pm

Whether you're a filmmaker, photographer, writer, designer, marketer, or simply curious about creative careers – this is your opportunity to:

  • ​Gain insider knowledge from Black industry professionals

  • ​Build confidence in your creative abilities

  • ​Connect with like-minded students and expand your network

  • ​Leave with actionable steps for your creative career

Any queries, email; BlackatSussex@sussex.ac.uk