The Creative Industries are a fast emerging sector in the Plymouth economy and research suggests the sector is making a major contribution to the local economy in terms of jobs and wealth creation. There are numerous success stories and exemplars.
The Theatre Royal is the leading theatre in the South West and attracts audiences of 420,000 annually, employs over 200 people and has a turnover of over £12m. TwoFour Productions in Estover is the largest production company outside of London, is a growing company and employ some 150 people. The Plymouth Media-Partnership has around 400 members.
The growth strategy recognised the creative industries sector is under-developed in Plymouth but has considerable strengths and potential in terms of television broadcasting and production, radio and newspaper publishing with strengths in music, media and visual and craft industries.
The creative industries sector comprises:
| Advertising Architecture Art and Antiques Market Crafts Design Designer Fashion Film and Video |
Interactive Leisure Software Music Performing Arts Publishing Software and Computer Services Television and Radio |
Sector Group
The first meeting of this Sector Group took place on 19th September, chaired jointly by Karen Stockdale of the Plymouth Media-Parnership and Ian Hutchinson of Plymouth Arts Centre. The purpose of the meeting was to debate and agree a common vision for Plymouth in relation to this Sector and an Open Session took place which was facilitatied by Karin Rucker of ArtsMatrix. This was an extremely helpful meeting and will form a clear direction for the development of this strategy.
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Action Plan
The feedback from the Open Session was reviewed and the emerging "themes" have been identified. These themes have been circulated to the group and a meeting took place on 6th December for an initial discussion around these.
A further Open Session took place at TR2 on 27th April that was promoted widely to the Creative Sector in Plymouth to build on feedback received to date, and look at what actions are needed to address the issues highlighted.
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Feedback from the event on 27th April including some of the proposals discussed are available below. Outcomes from the meeting included the formation of a Group that will look at the creation of a 'Manifesto' from the sector to inform future research and debate across the city as a whole.
How Events Can Help Plymouth Thrive
Progression Pathways for Sector Training
Vision for a Creative Plymouth
Feedback on the session format