A substantial report from leading arts organizations aims to transform the UK into a leading creative force, emphasizing economic potential.
- The Royal Society of Arts, Arts Council England, and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre have presented a vision for the creative industry.
- The report advocates the formation of ‘creative corridors’ to foster regional collaboration and economic growth.
- The ‘One Creative North’ initiative is highlighted as a model for nurturing Northern talent and investment.
- Leaders from the arts and government express commitment to driving growth and inclusivity in the creative sector.
A pivotal report from the Royal Society of Arts, Arts Council England, and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) aims to position the UK as a global creative leader. This initiative is designed to unlock substantial economic potential, with estimates suggesting the creative sector could contribute tens of billions of pounds to the economy.
Andy Haldane, Chief Executive of the RSA, emphasized that the government’s recent industrial strategy places creative industries at its core. The report outlines necessary steps to harness the UK’s innovative and pioneering creative landscape, advocating for enhanced regional collaboration to form ‘creative corridors.’
These corridors are envisaged as networks linking creative hotspots across the UK, thereby maximizing their collective impact. By fostering such connections, the initiative aims to heighten investment opportunities, improve job creation, expand skills availability, and enhance cultural accessibility.
Professor Hasan Bakhshi, Director of the Creative PEC, stressed the importance of moving beyond isolated creative hubs to form a cohesive national network. This framework intends to enable regional creative clusters to achieve the economies of scale enjoyed by larger metropolitan areas such as London.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, highlighted the role of collaboration in enhancing growth and opportunity distribution across the UK. He noted that through partnership, creative talents and organizations can effectively contribute to national development.
The ‘One Creative North’ initiative, announced at the Convention of the North by Tracy Brabin, exemplifies this approach. Supported by Northern Mayors and chaired by Jude Kelly CBE, it plans to launch a multi-million-pound fund and training schemes to retain and develop talent in Northern England.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, expressed that Northern creative sectors are vibrant and packed with potential, yet they have historically lacked the investment and opportunities available in the South East. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap by cultivating a robust, economically prosperous creative sector.
The report’s strategic insights will guide collaboration efforts across government, civil society, and the creative industries. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy articulated a commitment to fostering growth and ensuring that every region’s cultural and economic contributions are recognized and celebrated.
This comprehensive strategy sets the stage for a unified, thriving creative sector across the UK, poised for significant economic and cultural growth.
