Creative industries across the North-east have welcomed new research showing the value of the sector and the part it can play in the region’s economic future.
The response comes after a report which said the creative sector has a £675million impact to the region’s economy which is a significantly larger creative economy than previously recorded with approximately 10,490 creative workers.
Aberdeen City Council culture spokesperson Councillor Martin Greig said: “This important research shows the strength, value, and potential of the North East’s creative industries. The sector is a key part of the Regional Economic Strategy and can make a valuable contribution to the region’s changing economy.
“The North East Culture Connects framework gives partners a shared plan for attracting investment and strengthening skills, businesses, innovation and cultural facilities across the region.”
Laura Sherriffs of Fernweh UK, which makes handcrafted waxed cotton and leather bags and accessories designed and made in Aberdeen, said: “I welcome the findings of the Creative Industry Mapping Research and really hope it helps to forge stronger pathways of support to nurture and develop the local creative industries which provide so much to the region.
“As an Robert Gordon University alumni, having spaces like Deemouth Artist Studios to run my creative business lended itself more legitimacy and allowed me space to let my business grow and develop to collaborate with larger companies, and having work in the Edit shop in the Bon Accord Centre helps me establish my brand locally too.
“Aberdeen has always had an abundance of creative talent, and I hope the findings of the report legitimise not only the economical impact the creative industry has on the city, but how important it is for the cultural identity of Aberdeen to have a thriving, supported creative scene.”
The report was agreed at an Aberdeen City Council Finance and Resources Committee and included the results of the research and the North East Culture Connects framework. The Creative Industries Working Group, which is part of the Regional Economic Partnership, will use the research and the report to guide its continuing work to support the sector.
Mapping research was carried out which formed the basis of the report, and also the North East Culture Connects strategic development framework. The framework draws on the mapping research and the priorities identified through the draft Action Plan to support the development of a coherent creative industries cluster..
North East Culture Connects is a first step towards developing future investment programmes. The next phase will explore practical projects to develop skills and talent, help creative businesses test new ideas, widen participation and understand what digital infrastructure the sector needs.
The Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Creative Industries Mapping Research is available on the Council’s website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/council-services/events-culture-and-outdoor-spaces/aberdeen-and-aberdeenshire-creative-industries-mapping-research