Championing creative and ethical licensing at the Cultural Enterprises Conference and Trade Show 2026
The DACS Licensing team joined cultural organisations from across the UK to share expertise and build connections sector’s key annual events.
This week, the DACS Licensing team travelled up to the ICC in Birmingham to participate in the annual Cultural Enterprises Conference and Trade Show. The event was a chance for professionals across the museums, galleries, and cultural sectors to come together, share expertise and foster collaborative relationships that could spark future projects and ideas.
Sharing expertise on the value of collections and creative objects
One of the highlights for DACS was Senior Account Executive Amberley Jamieson’s presentation on the Showcase Stage. Amberley’s session explored the unique dual role museums and galleries play in the image rights world - not only as owners of images that can generate income, but also as licensees for their own publications and materials. She delved into ways these institutions can unlock new revenue opportunities from digitised collections, all while ensuring artists and estates are treated fairly and ethically. The presentation also addressed how organisations can clear rights confidently, reduce risk, save valuable time, and streamline licensing processes for greater efficiency, with one central point of contact for all their needs.
Inspiration on the conference floor
At our DACS stand, we proudly showcased a diverse array of licensing project examples, each highlighting the vibrant collaborations we've been able to facilitate between artists and clients over the years. From striking visual campaigns to inventive partnerships, our stand offered a glimpse into the creative potential unlocked through image licensing. It was especially rewarding to see DACS-facilitated licensing projects featured on other stands, including those of King & McGaw and Courtauld, underscoring the far-reaching impact of our work within the sector.
Networking and talking all things licensing
Networking at the conference proved invaluable for the DACS Licensing team, providing opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and forge new connections within the cultural and creative sectors. Being present in the room allowed for meaningful, face-to-face discussions around ethical licensing, enabling the team to drive home the tangible benefits of responsible rights management for museums, galleries, and other organisations. These conversations not only fostered trust but also emphasised how ethical licensing practices safeguard artists’ interests while unlocking revenue and creative potential for institutions across the sector.
