CREATIVE CLUSTERS CONFERENCE 2005 Released by: CCC Web Site: http://www.creativeclusters.com Unlocking the Secrets of a Creative Economy Keywords: Creative Clusters, Creative Industries, Cultural Industries, Arts News, Cultural Policy Update Date: 5/16/2005 8:42:12 AM Hits: 384 Descrption:  Creative Clusters is the only annual international conference on policy for the creative industries. The growth of creative industries has been explosive – communities, cities, regions and nations are embracing this shift, leveraging their culture to build valuable assets that can transform their economies. In the UK creative industries are growing twice as fast as any other - at a rate of 8% per year. Creative Clusters 2005 will be held in Belfast, UK from Monday 24th - Wednesday 26th October 2005. The conference will be hosted by Belfast City Council and this year’s principle sponsor is NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts). Belfast is a city in transformation and the hub of the creative industries in Northern Ireland. It is home to internationally successful design, media and architecture clusters, a thriving visual arts scene, a rich industrial heritage and the highlight of Ireland's cultural calendar - the Belfast Festival. Over three days the Creative Clusters 2005 conference will feature speakers and presentations on creative industry development from the UK and around the world, supported by an exciting programme of networking and entertainment events. Creative Clusters are accepting presentation proposals on the following four conference themes: Investing in Creativity - Creative businesses are adept at drawing in money from a wide variety of sources but research has shown that a lack of finance is inhibiting the growth of the sector. Investing in Creativity will examine what finance is available and ask how different types of finance affect the creative, social and business outcomes of creative enterprise. Delivering Skills for Creativity – Workers with a host of creative skills and abilities rarely required in past occupations are needed in the creative industries, and increasingly across the whole economy. Delivering Skills for Creativity invites educators, policy-makers, creative entrepreneurs and producers to articulate and explore the challenges this presents. Inclusion Through Creativity - Does the growth of the creative industries only benefit developed-world capital cities? Will this growth bring with it increased opportunity, empowerment and inclusion for marginalised groups? Inclusion Through Creativity will explore the policies, strategies and projects attempting to address these fundamental questions. Open Strand - The Open Strand invites proposals for presentations on any area of creative industries activity from around the world which are not covered by the three themes. For further information and to submit a presentation please visit www.creativeclusters.com Director of the Creative Clusters Conference Simon Evans commented: “We believe that the cultural industries sector is making a unique contribution to society. It is the only sector capable of delivering value in economic, artistic and social terms. Creative industries generate high quality jobs and celebrate the identity of communities, cities, regions and nations. The sector promotes linguistic and cultural diversity, it open minds and generates wealth.” The outline programme for Creative Clusters 2005 will be announced in mid June. Please contact Creative Clusters on +44 (0) 114 249 4334 or visit www.creativeclusters.com for further information. CONFERENCE CONTACT: Andrew: 0114 249 4334 PRESS CONTACT: Natalie: 0114 275 6784