The aim of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is to maximise the contribution of the arts sector, and through this to improve the quality of life of all. It also works with the creative industries, which are those industries with their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property.
More information on the national picture
Both the Arts Council England, Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward are investing in the development of the regional creative industries to good effect:
- regional creative industries employ more than 45,000 people
- In 2004 digital and creative industries contributed £3.29billion to teh region's economy. The 2012 forecast is £4.78billion.
- Leeds is the fastest growing media centre in the UK, encompassing traditional and electronic formats
- The region is also home to 30 electronic games developers and a similar number of educational software manufacturers - second only to Boston, Massachusetts, which is a global centre of expertise.
In Sheffield, a city known for its heavy industry, the fine arts sector is making its presence felt. Persistence Works is the UK's first purpose built fine art and craft studio complex providing:
- a permanent new base for the Yorkshire ArtSpace Society
- 51 studios for 68 artists
- facilities to deliver business support services to visual artists
The region boasts a wealth of opportunity to enrich people’s lives through exploring art for arts sake, whilst still recognising the valuable economic contribution made by creative and artistic work.
