Plans for ‘creative cluster of national significance’ revealed
Plans to establish Warwick district as a creative ‘cluster’ of national significance by 2025 have been unveiled.
For the past 12 months Warwick District Council has been working in consultation with more than 400 creative agencies to develop a framework which is supported by an independent creative sector impact study.
It says that in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic it plans to use the framework to support the recovery and growth of the creative industries and is inviting local creative organisations to become part of delivering it.
The framework highlights how the district’s creative sector, which includes theatres, museums, video game studios, galleries, and creative agencies) already contributes nearly half a billion pounds to the economy of Warwick District and is “integral to its identity and prosperity”.
Cllr Andrew Day, leader of Warwick District Council, said: “Long before the impact of Covid-19, we were already building on the enthusiasm of the region’s creative communities, which were becoming increasingly energised by the amazing opportunities presented by Coventry City of Culture in 2021 and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“Given the significant challenges brought about by the pandemic, and the range of unique opportunities arising in the West Midlands over the next few years, now is absolutely the right time to refresh and harness this momentum by launching our framework which will bring our creative community together to realise our combined vision.”
Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture and neighbourhood at Warwick District Council, said: “Our creative offer is incredibly vibrant, diverse and essential to the economy of our region. During lockdown when we were all separated from our cultural venues we all realised how important this sector is to our health and wellbeing. Our wonderful cultural assets and events programmes attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our towns and I am confident that by working together we can come back even stronger.”
David Guilding, arts manager at Warwick District Council, said: “We’re not starting from scratch, but celebrating and enhancing the incredible work that has already taken place in the district in recent years. None of us can achieve this alone. Every creative person and organisation has a role to play in ensuring that the district reaches its immense potential – where the creative industries can flourish and thrive.”
