Top global technology companies announce their commitment to the next generation of digital textile designers

CMYUK, Shrewsbury – CMYUK has announced that six global technology companies – Canon, EFI, Epson, Klieverik, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, and Mimaki have become headline sponsors for its Creatives in Residence Live project (CIRL).

This unique programme is open to young people registered on the UK government’s Kickstart scheme and gives three young surface designers and one talented videographer an outstanding opportunity to undertake a 6-month placement at CMYUK’s advanced digital training and demonstration facility in Shrewsbury.

The young designers will develop their creative talents through practical applications and useful insights from leading industry experts. The chosen videographer will capture these ventures through a vlog, producing an engaging multi-platform, social media story for the décor, fashion, design and print communities – adding an interactive dimension to the progressive learning experience.

“We are thrilled to be able to announce the commitment from our headline sponsors all of which are crucial players in the digital arts landscape. They will provide unparalleled industry insight and will play a key role in delivering elements of the curriculum that has been developed specifically for the programme,” said Robin East, Group Sales and Marketing Director, CMYUK.

Derek Joys, Product Marketing Manager, Production Printing Products at Canon UK & Ireland said:
“We are delighted to support the Creatives in Residence project and have the opportunity to mentor and be part of the learning journey of these talented young students. From wallcoverings to textiles, digital printing is a hugely important part of producing products for interior décor. Through our support we hope to equip students with the insight, experience and knowledge they need to thrive in their future careers.”

Ken Hanulec, Vice President, Marketing, EFI, said, “We are thrilled to be part of a project that motivates and empowers the professional and personal development of young, creative minds. CIRL is a great initiative, offering young people the opportunity to further expand their practical skills and gain unique experiences by learning from industry experts and using market leading technologies. Collaborating and guiding the next generation is vital in shaping a sustainable and better future. We therefore look forward to seeing the outcomes of this project!"

Phil McMullin, Head of Pro Graphics Sales Epson UK said, “Empowering the next generation with industry expertise and sustainable technology exemplifies the direction we should all be taking to make the world a little better and this is nicely illustrated by Creatives in Residence Live (CIRL) from CMYUK. Epson puts great investment into manufacturing sustainable solutions that can reduce the carbon footprint of the environmentally-burdening world of fashion and textiles, and as a channel-only business it’s imperative that our resellers embrace shared ideals in contributing to society. With CIRL, CMYUK is addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for quality education (SDG4) and responsible consumption and production (SDG12), and we are happy to be a part of this special initiative.”

Maaike de Jong, Marketeer at Klieverik said, “In the process of fabricating home textiles, Klieverik plays an essential role in printing and finishing substrates. All kinds of polyester textiles can be printed on our dye sublimation and fixation calenders. We manufacture machines for roll-to-roll printing, single piece printing, or both. The constant temperature control results in perfect deep colours, just as they should be.
We are happy to assist and share our know-how with designers all over the world taking part in the CIRL project.”

Stuart Fox, President of Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, said: “Our latest innovative cutting tools and solutions enhance efficiency, productivity, quality and creativity, helping Kongsberg customers not only meet their own operational needs, but also those of their customers. Enabling these young surface designers, the future generations of this industry, to experience working with our state-of-the-art equipment ensures that as they progress in their careers, they know that they can produce creative designs without any restrictions that limit the imagination.”

Duncan Jefferies, Head of Marketing & Business Development at Hybrid, Mimaki‘s exclusive distributor for UK and Ireland said, “Creatives in Residence Live is a fantastic opportunity for young surface designers to gain a foothold in the print industry, and it is important for us, as Mimaki’s distributor for the UK and Ireland to be involved. Through our support of this unique initiative, we’ll be helping CMYUK mentor and develop some great creative talent, whilst providing the designers with unique access to Mimaki’s latest print technology. Young people are the print industry’s future and the importance in helping them flourish is not lost on us – we can’t wait to see the results of their first few projects!”

CMYUK’s Creatives in Residence Live launches on September 20th. The four successful kickstart candidates will soon be revealed. For more information and updates visit https://www.cmyuk.com/creatives-in-residence-live.