A framework to drive the growth of creative industries in the South East through better workspace, investment and policy, has been launched by the South East Creative Economy Network (SECEN).
The sector-lead ‘Strategic Framework for Creative Workspace in the South East’ is for both local authorities and creative practitioners. It aims to:
- Seek funding and investment opportunities to prioritise the growth of creative workspace in the region;
- Influence governance, planning policy, investment, property development and public asset transfer; and
- Support cultural workspace development aligned with funding and investment opportunities. The creative sector needs access to specialist equipment and scalable workplaces.
The strategic framework also provides a practical approach to implementing the different types of support that are needed in diverse types of places based on SECEN’s investment priorities: Stimulating Growth; Enabling Place-making and Generating Social Value.
SECEN Sally Staples said the strategic framework will connect creative industries across the South East, from Southend-on-Sea in Essex to Faversham in Kent, to sector organisations such as Connect to Create South East, Thames Estuary Production Corridor and/or Culture East Sussex Culture Priority Pipeline
She added: “The framework can be used to apply local knowledge to the quotient data – does it ring true? Should it be adjusted accordingly? The data doesn’t tell the whole picture – context is key.
“It can also support and/or contribute to the development of the local pipeline of projects to give all project sponsors a regional overview and support the case for investment. It can be further used to develop your own local inward investment proposition.”
The framework was funded through SELEP Sector Support Funds, Arts Council England, Creative Estuary, Essex County Council, Kent County Council and East Sussex County Council.