Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots MLA was speaking today at the first Craft Northern Ireland Regional Conference in Lisburn. The conference is aimed at inspiring the region’s craft makers to maximise the opportunities for marketing their work internationally.
Minister Poots said: “In the recent budget announcement I was pleased to secure £5million over three years from 2008/2009 for the Creative Industries Seed Fund to develop business enterprise within the sector.
“I want to see the creation of a sector which will encourage our most talented people to shine on an international stage, whilst providing them with the business acumen to also be successful entrepreneurs. The creative industry in Northern Ireland is flourishing and expanding in areas such as digital media, film production, performing arts and music where there are viable business opportunities.
“I do not want the perceived barriers of business development to stifle the wonderful talent and imagination out there and that is why this fund will go some way towards encouraging the seeds of creativity to grow.”
The Creative Industries Seed Fund will provide direct support to emerging creative businesses, with issues such as business planning, marketing, access to venture capital, and intellectual property issues as well as start up finance.
The Minister continued: “The creative sector in Northern Ireland is extremely important, not only to economic growth, but also attracting tourism and helping to create a culture which inspires people from all walks of life.”
The creative sector in Northern Ireland employs some 34,600 people and represents around 4% of the economy and the recent Programme for Government (PfG) has set a goal of increasing this to 15% by 2011.
The Minister said: “In order to reach the ambitious targets set by the Programme for Government, public sector support is vital. However, it is also important for the private sector to invest in the industry, develop partnerships and help to sustain a sector which will give back to the economy and enrich our social fabric.
“Creativity cuts across all social barriers so that everyone, regardless of their background, gender or age, can enjoy the results of that creativity. The opportunities for our young people, or those young at heart, are endless and I encourage everyone to develop their creative skills to the full.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk.
- Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
