The Arts Council is to invest £500k in developing the creative economy in Cornwall.
Arts Council England today (Feb 24) announced that nine applicants from across the country have been successful in applying to the Creative Local Growth Fund, including the Creative Kernow project in Redruth.
Creative Kernow will receive £500k to work with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the arts and cultural sector in delivering the ‘Cultivator’ programme, designed to drive business growth and the digital economy by boosting skills and capacity in Cornwall’s creative and cultural sectors.
Strands of work include skills development and business start-up support, digital innovation, the commercial development of creative assets and exploration of new export markets.
The Arts Council England funds will be matched by £200k from Cornwall Council.
Ross Williams, chief executive of Creative Kernow, said: “We’re really delighted to have been successful in our bid to the Creative Local Growth Fund – the creative and cultural industries are already a key part of the Cornish economy and this programme will invest up to £3.45 million over the next three years to build on the achievements of our creative businesses and individuals.
“The programme will help at least 400 companies and 2,000 practitioners with innovative skills packages and direct investment, strengthening our partnership with Cornwall Council and our LEP as well as supporting more young people in their early years in the creative workforce.”
Cllr Julian German, portfolio holder for economy and culture and an LEP board director, said: “We are delighted that our partners at Creative Kernow have won this sought after funding award.
“The investment decision from the Arts Council demonstrates a confidence and belief in the ability of our cultural and creative industries to deliver jobs and community benefits that is shared by Cornwall Council and the LEP.”
