Cross-cultural exchange and innovative hubs of artistic and creative activity

Cross-cultural exchange and innovative hubs of artistic and creative activity

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Future Screens NI has been at the forefront of policy advancements to revitalise the creative economy in Northern Ireland. A report by Professor Paul Moore, Director of Future Screens NI and Co-Director of Ulster University's Creative Industries Institute, offers valuable insights into the strategies employed by this creative cluster [1].

The report, titled "Cultural brokerage and creative clusters," details the ways in which Future Screens NI has addressed the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the creative economy. One of the key strategies has been the focus on growth in the creative industries through investment in research and development (R&D). This approach has allowed what were initially short-term initiatives to become formally embedded in the social and cultural infrastructure of the cluster [1].

The government's support for these efforts is evident in the £4.7 million awarded to Future Screens NI by the Department for Communities as part of a placed-based employment initiative. This funding aims to support creative workers to return and rebuild the sector after the disruptions caused by the pandemic [1].

The policy approach emphasises bringing creative talent back to Northern Ireland, bolstering employment, and sustaining the cultural ecosystem that contributes socially and economically to the region. While specific programs by Future Screens NI are not elaborated in available documents, this large-scale funding and focus on place-based strategies indicate a priority on regional recovery and creative sector regeneration post-COVID-19 [1].

The broader context includes strategic plans such as the Northern Ireland Executive's "Building Forward: Consolidated Covid-19 Recovery Plan," highlighting the government's commitment to economic and social recovery from the pandemic, which would cover creative industries as part of wider support frameworks [2]. Additionally, Future Screens NI integrates aspects of innovation, intellectual property, and creative workforce development in its policy stance, positioning the creative economy as a vital component of Northern Ireland’s post-pandemic recovery and cultural vibrancy [1].

The report also provides insights into the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK. However, it is important to note that this report is not directly related to Future Screens NI's strategies to address COVID-19 restrictions [1]. The report, commissioned by the Creative Industries Council, focuses on employers within the creative industries, offering valuable information for policymakers across the UK [3].

The report, which can be referenced as Moore, P (2021) Cultural brokerage and creative clusters, is being published as part of the PEC's campaign Creative Places, which is calling for the government to invest in local creative industries via targeted funding to creative microclusters [4]. The header image for the report was supplied by Future Screens NI of Belfast Design Week [1].

References:

[1] Moore, P (2021) Cultural brokerage and creative clusters. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Ulster University. Available from: https://www.our website/assets/publications/Cultural-Brokerage-And-Creative-Clusters-PEC-Report-July-2021.pdf

[2] Northern Ireland Executive (2020) Building Forward: Consolidated Covid-19 Recovery Plan. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-forward-consolidated-covid-19-recovery-plan/building-forward-consolidated-covid-19-recovery-plan

[3] Creative Industries Council (2021) The migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/migrant-and-skills-needs-of-creative-businesses-in-the-uk/the-migrant-and-skills-needs-of-creative-businesses-in-the-uk

[4] Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (2021) Creative Places. Available from: https://www.pec.ac.uk/campaigns/creative-places/

1. The report by Professor Paul Moore underscores the role of research and development in the revitalization of the creative economy in Northern Ireland, a key approach taken by Future Screens NI.
2. The government's participation in fostering the creative economy can be seen in the £4.7 million grant given to Future Screens NI.
3. A primary focus of Future Screens NI's policy is the return and rebuilding of the creative sector, which contributes to both the social and economic well-being of the region.
4. The report "Cultural brokerage and creative clusters" proposes the integration of aspects like innovation, intellectual property, and workforce development within the creative economy.
5. The Northern Ireland Executive's "Building Forward" plan emphasizes economic and social recovery for the entire region, with the creative industries as part of broader support frameworks.
6. Future Screens NI's work aligns with a nationwide effort, as evidenced by a report focusing on the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK.
7. The Moore report, published as part of the Creative Places campaign, calls for the government to invest in local creative industries via targeted funding to creative microclusters.
8. The creative economy is determined to be a crucial factor in Northern Ireland’s post-pandemic recovery and cultural vitality, and its integration into lifestyles ranging from home-and-garden to sustainable-living.

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