Nurturing our artistic hubs: The imperative of funding our homegrown creative sectors
Lighting the Fire: Advocating for Focused Funding to Fresh Creative Hotspots Across the UK
The creative sector fired up the UK's economy - one in eight businesses falls under its vast umbrella, spanning from fashion to architecture, and from software to advertising. In 2019 alone, these sectors churned out around £116 billion in GVA, rocketing ahead at a whopping four times the pace of the total UK economic growth [1]. However, these creative powerhouses aren't just nestled in the hustle and bustle of big cities like London or Manchester. They can appear in the most unusual and unsuspecting places, often mysteriously bundled together in tight-knit groups, known as creative microclusters [1].
Through proximity, these creative microclusters share a special bond, offering each other encouragement and breeding innovation. They generate substantial economic and social worth for their local communities, all while creating jobs, harvesting skills, and drawing in investment [1].
Last year, a bleak picture emerged, shedding light on the devastating impact the pandemic had on the creative sector. The outlook was grim, with collapsing working hours and hard-hit sub-sectors, particularly the Music, Performing, and Visual Arts sub-sector, which saw a staggering 55,000 job losses [2]. Freelancers within the creative industry also faced adversity, with a drop of 38,000 freelancers since the beginning of 2020 [3].
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of light emerged. The creative sector demonstrated incredible resilience during the pandemic. Innovative minds cooked up novel technologies that made remote work and living more bearable, and entertainment, from screen to streamed theatre, managed to inspire hope and stir emotions.
These revelations underscore the urgent need to firmly embed the creative sector in government policy-making. With the UK Government's local growth agenda and the availability of major investment, such as the UK Levelling-Up Fund, significant decisions lie ahead for the sector [1]. Strategic decisions will also be made about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the upcoming publication of a UK Government Levelling-Up White Paper, with potential repercussions for the sector lasting for decades [1].
Our extensive research allows us to paint a clearer picture of where creative businesses prosper, extending far beyond the established creative clusters in big cities. Places like Telford in Shropshire or Lerwick in the Shetland Islands now mirror the vibrant creative scene once only associated with major metropolises [1].
This week, we unleash six new research pieces to help policymakers better comprehend the significance of involving the sector in this agenda. These studies will also bring attention to activities that can foster growth in local areas, ranging from tweaking procurement rules to investing in skills, and ensuring clear legacy strategies for one-time cultural investments [1].
We demand the government, on the brink of the Spending Review and the Levelling-Up White Paper, to ensure that new investments into the creative industries - including R&D, design, marketing, and training - are diverted toward creative microclusters scattered across the UK [1].
Pictured above: Caernarfon, Wales by Callum Parker
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Originally written by Creative PECTo view more articles, click here
- The UK's creative industries are not limited to bustling cities; they can flourish in unexpected places, forming creative microclusters that foster innovation, generate economic and social value, and create jobs.
- In light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the creative sector, there is an urgent need to incorporate the sector into government policy-making, particularly as the UK Government prepares the local growth agenda, the UK Levelling-Up Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the upcoming Levelling-Up White Paper.
- Geographical areas beyond established creative clusters in large cities, such as Telford in Shropshire and Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, are now nurturing vibrant creative scenes.
- The creative sector showcased resilience during the pandemic, with innovative minds developing technologies for remote work and entertainment that lifted spirits.
- Adequate funding and investment directed towards creative microclusters scattered across the UK, including R&D, design, marketing, and training, are crucial for the sector's growth and reducing regional inequality.
- Evidence presented through research reveals that the involvement of the creative sector in policy-making can significantly contribute to local growth, job creation, and skills development.
- Policymakers can make informed decisions about fostering growth in local areas by considering activities such as adjusting procurement rules, investing in skills, and ensuring clear legacy strategies for one-time cultural investments.
- Research findings suggest that a looming creative economy skills shortage exists across the UK, underscoring the importance of focus on skills development and education to sustain growth ambitions.
- Data and evidence highlight that the UK's creative industries, despite challenges from Brexit and the pandemic, are maintaining their standing, offering opportunities for continued growth and development.
