Ahead of the expected General Election, independent organisation Creative UK has launched a manifesto detailing how, with the right investment, the creative industries can generate social and economic prosperity across the country.
Creative UK is a national network for the UK’s creative industry, connecting talent, businesses and organisations across the film and TV sector.
Entitled Our Creative Future, the manifesto calls for ‘radical new action’ to respond to key issues facing the sector, such as removing barriers to access and introducing new funding models.
Among the manifesto’s ideas is a call to facilitate innovation by increasing investment in research and development funding, and supporting new products, services and intellectual property. It adds that the cultural and creative industries in the UK account for 6 per cent of the UK’s GVA (Gross Value Added), but receive just 1 per cent of research funds.
The manifesto suggests that the next UK Government needs to support trade and exports by ensuring easy movement of people, goods and services – including the ability to bring in talent from anywhere in the world on a freelancing basis.
“The UK Government must also ensure that all bilateral and trade agreements with other countries protect intellectual property rights and cultural diversity,” it continues. “Increased support for the British Council would strengthen the UK’s leadership in the global creative economy.”
It also calls for the appointment of a new freelance commissioner, something that the Culture Media and Sport Committee suggested earlier this month.
Speaking about the launch of the manifesto, Caroline Norbury, chief executive, Creative UK, said: “This is a decisive moment for the UK’s cultural and creative industries. The sector is driving real growth for the economy, while creating jobs and meaningful work at an extraordinary pace. However, creatives are also struggling with issues such as widespread cuts to creative education, reducing levels of funding and financial models that are no longer fit for purpose, as well as difficult trading conditions.”
“How we act today will lay the foundations for tomorrow’s successes. Outlined in our manifesto are six areas which we believe will bring maximum benefit to our country. This publication is not about dwelling on problems. It’s about providing solutions. There is a version of the future where the cultural and creative industries are not only thriving but are driving growth across the wider economy.”
The manifesto is available to download here.
