Creative Manifesto will cement Cornwall’s position as the UK’s leading rural creative economy

Cornwall’s Creative Manifesto, which sets out to strengthen Cornwall’s position as the UK’s leading rural creative economy, has been published. 
Set to be formally launched at the beginning of 2021, this new strategy  sets out how Cornwall will define its place over the next five years.  
The plan, which can be found here, was approved by the Cornwall Council’s cabinet last week.

It offers the opportunity to shine a light on the creative economies of rural regions, demonstrating that although distinct from urban settings, creative economies in rural regions can be just as significant.  

Along with a set of ambitions and projects, the Creative Manifesto sets out ten practical actions it pledges to facilitate in the next five years including campaigning, sector-led networking, maximising funding and research and Cornish Nationality.  

In 2018, the UK’s creative industries contributed more than £111bn to the UK economy. Cornwall’s creative sector is the third largest employer in our region and the most likely source of future high growth companies and higher value jobs.  

The Creative Manifesto aims to support and facilitate this growing sector, inspiring disruption and innovation and creating new opportunities for meaningful growth, while continuing to sustain and support at both company level and individual level. The manifesto positions Cornwall as the destination of choice for creative businesses, creative endeavours and creative, cultural social and economic success.   

The creative industries include: advertising, architecture, createch, crafts, design, arts and culture, fashion, music, games, published and TV and film.  
Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Culture, Economy and Planning, said: “Cornwall’s creative economy can and will play a leading role in Cornwall’s economic future. Working with our freelancers, micro businesses, organisations and communities together we are determined to take full advantage of our status as the nation’s leading rural creative region. 
“The benefits that this Creative Manifesto will enable are far reaching.  It will increase engagement and participation of our communities, and will bring about the proven positive impact that taking part in cultural and creative activities has on health and well-being.

“We will also see the positive effect that culture and creativity can play in place-shaping and community regeneration,  and will help to maintain jobs within our creative economy, thereby ensuring there are opportunities for our young people to engage with and carve a professional life within the cultural sector.” 

Cllr Julian German, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “I am tremendously pleased that Cornwall Council have adopted the Manifesto Awenek Kernow. We are one of the UK’s leading creative regions, urban or rural, and this is testament not only to long term public investment but also the tenacity and creativity of individuals, organisations, businesses and institutions, and I want to take this opportunity to warmly thank them all.  

Also key to our success is partnership, and I believe we have built a really strong, enduring partnership across all of the key funding bodies. On behalf of Cornwall, my sincere thanks to you all.” 

Mark Duddridge, Chair of the LEP, said: “The creative economy spans many different industries from traditional crafts to the advanced digital technology. Cornwall has unique creative and cultural assets, combined with a digital network that is the envy of many regions. Together, these give us a distinctiveness and competitive advantage that the Creative Manifesto seeks to harness and grow. The LEP fully supports this five-year vision.”