Francesca Panetta

Francesca Panetta is the Director of the AKO Storytelling Institute at the University of the Arts London (UAL). She has garnered recognition as an Emmy award-winning immersive director, digital artist, and journalist, highlighting her extensive experience in storytelling and media.145

Background and Education

Panetta has a notable educational background, including being a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, which underscores her commitment to advancing storytelling through innovative mediums.25

Professional Experience

Before her current role at UAL, she served as the executive editor of virtual reality at The Guardian, where she contributed significantly to the integration of immersive storytelling in journalism.26 Her work emphasizes the transformative power of narratives and their ability to engage audiences in meaningful ways.35

Current Role

At the AKO Storytelling Institute, Panetta focuses on fostering new forms of storytelling and supporting creative initiatives that explore how narratives can influence perceptions and drive change. Under her leadership, the institute aims to bridge traditional storytelling with modern digital practices.13