THE significance of the creative economy in the South of Scotland has been revealed in a new guide which aims to highlight the sector’s potential.
The South of Scotland Creative Economy Guide details the value of the industry – made up of 16 sub-sectors including architecture, crafts, fashion and textiles, film and video, radio and TV, music and writing and publishing – which it estimates to be worth £280million a year to the region.
The guide also estimates over 6300 people work and volunteer in the sector, while there are almost 1900 creative enterprises.
It aims to raise awareness of the significant potential of the creative economy locally to not only help attract investment but also promote opportunities for all to get into the industry.
And it has identified six priorities to take forward: including focussing on film in the South through supporting screen developments and projects which address Net Zero and innovation in the industry.
In addition, it recommends supporting the development of the Dumfries and Galloway Cultural Partnership as a priority.
The document was produced by South of Scotland Enterprise and chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross said: “The South of Scotland Creative Economy Guide is the first action from a wider campaign which aims to help the sector to thrive and grow. It also recognises the importance of our culture and creativity to driving economic growth.
“The guide highlights the massive opportunities for the sector, particularly around CreaTech where technology meets creativity, and we want to highlight this to attract the right kind of investment into our region.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council are supporting the guide and Councillor Ian Carruthers added: “We live in an exceptionally creative region and the sector is huge for our local economy. We look forward to exploring the potential to enable our local creative industries to expand and reach their full potential and attract others to our area.”
To read it, go to www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/creative.
