CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES

Joe MacPheeMichael Braun

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Agenda

•Strategic Setting

•The Creative Industries

•Key Projects

Strategic Setting

Cultural Strategy

Creating Communitiesof the Future

Creative IndustriesStrategy

“…a long-term regeneration vision for the Outer Hebrides…outlining what we are going to do and what we anticipate achieving.”

“To preserve, enhance and promote the culture and heritage of the islands and ensure that opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation are readily available to all.”

“…to become an internationally recognised creative cluster, characterised by a vibrant and economically strong creative industries sector.”

Outer HebridesCreative Industries

Strategy

Creating CommunitiesOf the Future

Outer HebridesCultural Strategy

CoordinatedActionPlan

Strategic Context

The Creative Industries

•Gaelic•Advertising•Art and Antiques•Fashion•Designer Fashion•Performing Arts•Software and Computers

•Architecture•Crafts•Design•Film and Video•Music•Literature and Publishing•TV and Radio

Demand is increasing for high quality, creative content and products

The Creative Industries are seen as having the highest potential for economic growth of all sectors in the UK and Scotland

The new Scottish government economic strategic identifies the Creative Industries as a key sector

Outer Hebrides Context

Economic challenges facing the islands open up new opportunities in non-traditional sectors

Creative industries sector strong in Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides seen as a creative and inspiring place

A number of strengths

Current Situation

Survey of individuals and businesses conducted – identified a number of sector strengths and barriers

•Great diversity

•Arts, crafts, writing, media and new media are key sectors

•Gaelic culture and natural environment are important

•Individual creatives ready to increase business activity

•Enthusiastic base – real opportunity for support

•Access to funding/financing

•Suitable work spaces

•Business growth

•Access to business support in marketing and promotion

•Lack of business support information

•Long term business planning

Strengths Barriers

Future Direction

Creative Industries Strategy – consolidate activities within this sector in the Outer Hebrides

A number of strategic objectives aiming to

•Promote growth within the sector•Promote the islands as a creative place and attract creative individuals•Increase employment and economic activity within this sector

Attract investment and realise growth potential

Future Direction

CREATIVE HEBRIDES

BusinessDevelopment

BusinessIncubators

CreativeClusters

Collaboration

Key Projects

Cearcaill na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic Rings)

Hebrides TV

•A tourism marketing initiative that builds on the existing transportation infrastructure

•Focus on Caledonian Macbryne’s Island Hopscotch routes

•Links transport to the unique language and cultural heritage of the Outer Hebrides and Western Highlands

•Building on this is the concept of a Gaelic Ring

Concept

Activity - 2007

2007 Pilot

•First “Ring” journey from Oban to Barra, Uists, and Skye

•Brand development and marketing

•Support of over 150 businesses along the “Ring”

•Success of pilot warrants 2008 expansion

Activity - 2008

5 New Rings

•To showcase and promote the best of the environment, heritage, and culture of the Outer Hebrides

•A creative space for the community to publish cultural content that can be viewed by anyone with a broadband connection

•To encourage innovation and new business development in the new media/creative industries sector

•A service delivery channel for public sector, local businesses and community groups

•A tool to attract tourism and inward migration

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES

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