A panel event, co-organised by Bournemouth University, championing creative industries across the South West was held at the Labour Party Conference.
The Creative Alliance South West session took place as a part of the Creative UK stream, with the universities of Bournemouth, Exeter, Falmouth, Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth and Arts University Bournemouth collaborating to make a claim for the South West to be recognised as a creative hub and testbed for innovative thinking and investment, and as a testbed for policy in the sector.
Universities were joined by business representatives, who run creative and cultural organisations in the south west, and gave many examples of the impact, creative thinking and innovative projects taking place across the South West. The panel shared stories of how these projects and activities were supporting the local public, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds and in rural communities.
The discussion focussed on the role of place in regional development of sectors, and how joint working between industry, local government and education can drive innovation in the creative sector and support the flow of money into the region to enrich coastal and rural communities.
Speaking to an audience of MPs, universities, businesses and party members, panel members talked about the opportunities in the region, building on a recent report launched in Parliament showcasing sector research by six of the region’s universities, showcasing the region’s breadth and creative strengths, and the impact the south west creative sector has on local jobs and the nation’s economy.
Professor Einar Thorsen, University Dean for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, represented Bournemouth University at the event. He said, “The South West is recognised as a hub of excellence in creative industries; and the region’s universities provide an essential talent pipeline for the creative industries. Higher education needs to be considered as an integral part of how the Government can successfully deliver on its Industrial Strategy.
“Our ask to Government is clear, enhance the work already taking place in the South West by championing the creative industries in the South West, working with us to help the South West to become a recognised hub for creative industries, a place for investment and innovation working with the region’s universities to act as a testbed for developing skills, nurturing industry and delivering for the UK’s economy.”
Caroline Norbury OBE, Chief Executive of Creative UK, said: “I was delighted to host a panel with South West colleagues on the importance of place-based creativity and learning from the experience of Liverpool Baltic ventures. The impressive collaboration between Crowdfunder, Real Ideas Organisation and higher education from talented students to advanced start-ups in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall cannot be ignored.”
The discussion was led by a panel of Caroline Norbury OBE, Lindsey Hall (CEO, Real Ideas Organisation CIC), Professor Emma Hunt (Vice-Chancellor of Falmouth University), Claire Lewis (CEO, Baltic Ventures), Dawn Bébe (Founder and Co-CEO, Crowdfunder) and Anna Gelderd MP (Labour MP for South East Cornwall).
For more information about creative industries in the South West, or to talk to members of the collaboration, email [email protected].
