New support plan for creative industries in North Somerset

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North Somerset Council has this month published a new action plan of how it will work with creative industries across the area to help them thrive.

North Somerset is home to a diverse range of creative businesses including graphic designers, major event companies, architects and film-makers. The Creative Industries Support Plan highlights the significant contribution that these businesses make to the economy, which in the south west is estimated to be £638m a year.

North Somerset Council will deliver the plan to support local talent by working with partners, including Weston College and Culture Weston. The partnership’s work will include:

  • promoting business opportunities for enterprises and freelancers,
  • representing the sector at a strategic level within the council,
  • promoting work and career opportunities in creative industries, and
  • establishing of a forum of creative practitioners to inform support and raise the profile of the sector in North Somerset.

Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Place and Economy at North Somerset Council, said: “This is a reminder of the diverse talent we have across North Somerset and why we need to nurture and protect the arts. A significant amount of work has gone into producing this comprehensive plan and we couldn’t have done it without our partners, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.

“This work is at the core of North Somerset’s economic future, particularly as our area is fast becoming a hub for creativity. By supporting this sector and everyone who works in it, we will help it to grow and thrive”.

Fiona Matthews, Director of Culture Weston, said: “After a challenging two years, this Creative Industries Support Plan provides an invaluable blueprint to propel North Somerset’s cultural sector forward as a vital driver in determining a bright future for the region. Through unlocking new opportunities around training, funding and collaboration, this plan promises to rocket fuel current cultural momentum to build a place which has a flourishing and distinctive creative sector with local resonance and world class ambition. The opportunity this presents in terms of employment, tourism, pride of place and wellbeing is significant."

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Weston College Group, said: “Weston College has a thriving creative provision supporting employers and learners in North Somerset. With provision up to degree level delivered through our University Centre, we work closely with industry partners to maximise the investment in our outstanding training facilities, providing a pathway to careers for our learners, retaining creative talent in our region. We look forward to working with partners to maximise the opportunities, ensuring North Somerset is a destination for creative talent.”

The plan draws on comprehensive research carried out before, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic by the Local Government Association, Creative Industries Council, West of England Combined Authority and Creative UK Group. This research highlighted the sector’s vulnerability, as well as its potential for positive contribution to the local and regional economy.

Creative businesses and those who work freelance are encouraged to join a North Somerset creative industries network. For further information, email business@n-somerset.gov.uk

More information about the council’s work to support creative industries is available on the In North Somerset website https://innorthsomerset.co.uk/creative-industries

ENDS

Thanks to those who gave their time to help shape the plan, including:

  • Tean Kirby, North Somerset Arts
  • Fiona Matthews and Tom Newman, Theatre Orchard/Culture Weston
  • Karen Blake, Artspace
  • Samantha Francis, Creative Freelancer
  • Paul Lucock, Voluntary Action North Somerset
  • Tracey Stokes, Start-Up Social Enterprise
  • Simon Duffill, Vocal Media
  • Natalia Lewis, Co: Lab Creative
  • Sevim Sangwell, Fineline lighting
  • Angie Bual, Trigger Stuff
  • Nona Hunter, West of England Combined Authority
  • Susannah Shaw, Curzon Cinema
  • Ceri Wade, Arcadia Spectacular
  • Dave Crew, Weston College.