Creative economy
Kent has a substantial creative industry sector, with a growing
reputation for innovation, independence, and for ambition for
growth based on excellence. The county is already
a producer of culture, a promoter of culture, and a cultural
destination – it just hasn’t realised that full potential –
yet...
It’s that opportunity for growth that defines what we do. We
work with creative businesses, local government partners,
development agencies and private sector interests to attract and
retain creative business into the county.
- As a fast growing and rapidly evolving sector, the Creative
Industries are a field where the UK is world-leading, and the
sector . This sector is a priority economic sector for Kent
and accounts for more than 7% of UK GDP. It has shown
consistent, above average growth for more than a decade. The
sector is also larger than any creative sector in Europe
(where the creative industries account for 2.6% of EU GDP). The
Work Foundation identifies this as one of four key sectors that
will drive growth in future.
- Creative industries are important to Kent and Medway’s
economies. With a variety of dynamic companies, predominantly small
and micro-enterprises, that range from commercial companies, to
co-operatives, charities and social enterprise operations, informal
networks and individual artists and creatives.
- Over 14,600 people are employed in this sector
in Kent; a sizeable pool of creative talent working in fields
ranging from design and digital media, festivals and large-scale
public events to craft and visual arts, music production, theatre,
architecture, film and media production.