News
Tuesday 11 December 2007
Nottingham in European spotlight for launch of culture and creativity group
The spotlight for future European culture and creativity has been shining on Nottingham recently as the city hosted the launch of a new body dedicated to their support and development. Representatives from 30 of Europe’s major cities descended on Nottingham Trent University in December for the inaugural EUROCITIES Working Group on Culture and Creative Industries for Creative Cities.
The group’s aim was to develop the best possible environment for cities to attract creative industries, promote their interaction and increase their attractiveness and competitiveness. It was established by EUROCITIES, a network bringing together local governments of European cities to share knowledge and ideas, analyse common problems and develop innovative solutions.
Thousands of highly talented Nottingham graduates go into the creative industries each year, including a range of prestigious award winners such as Nottingham Trent University alumnus and Turner Prize winner Simon Starling. The University is among the most prestigious in the country for art and design and has an international reach and reputation.
The city has been chair of the EUROCITIES Culture Forum since 2006, and lobbied for the setting-up of the new working group to showcase the economic and social importance of the creative sector in European cities.
Research has ranked Nottingham fourth most creative city in the UK based on its creative industries – which include advertising, design, fashion, film, music and software design. The city recently hosted both the 2nd international GameCity interactive entertainment festival, supported by Nottingham Trent University, and the first Nottingham Creative Business Awards to celebrate creative business talent – which saw Nottingham Trent University graduates scoop a third of all the awards.
Councillor Malcolm Wood, Chair of the EUROCITIES Culture Forum and Nottingham’s Corporate Director of Community and Culture, Michael Williams, opened the conference in Nottingham Trent University’s Bonington Building, home to its School of Art and Design. He was joined by the Dean of the School of Art and Design, Ann Priest.
Members heard about the University’s work to support the city’s creative industries from Jeremy Hague, Chris Hall and Paul Hough, who talked about business incubation unit, The Hive, and Nottingham Creative Network, part of the University’s Business Innovation and Creation Unit. Ann Priest and Simon Green, Director of Sustainable Development at Nottingham City Council, also led a discussion on Nottingham’s creative sector.
Ann Priest said: "Since the School of (Art and) Design was established in Nottingham in 1843, the impact of its creative environment and culture has not only served as an inspiration and a focus for local and national manufacturers, but also became a catalyst for the growth of the reputed ‘creative culture’ in and around Nottingham; a culture that undoubtedly persists today.
"Why is this important? Because the world is smarter, faster, more creative and more demanding. There are new ways of working and of using knowledge, and every aspect of our lives is or can be designed. We see the School of Art and Design and the university as being an integral part of the city’s creative, cultural and economic development and have been delighted to support this exciting event."
The working group sought to provide a range of benefits including new forms of access to financial resources; access to business support; training and entrepreneurialism; and new transnational projects and collaborations. The group also drafted a policy paper on cities’ recommendations for EU policies on the development of the creative industries for use in lobbying the European Commission and national governments.
A key aim was to showcase the benefits and contribution of the creative sector to cities’ attractiveness and economic and social development. This was presented in a final seminar along with a range of political recommendations which could create opportunities for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation in 2009.
Delegates also visited the educational establishment, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, and the East Midlands’ flagship cinema, the Broadway Media Centre.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
With a true design heritage dating from 1843 and state-of-the-art facilities based in Nottingham city centre, the School of Art and Design has an established international reputation for design excellence and outstanding achievement.
The School offers a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, taught by leading experts and creative professionals, and has outstanding links with employers on a worldwide platform, offering career opportunities to reflect the real needs of the international creative industries in the 21st Century.
For full details of all courses, facilities and opportunities please visit our website.
The Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies is a unique educational establishment; a custom-designed facility housing a progressive learning institute alongside commercial recording studios and pre and post production film and television companies. Confetti provides courses in music technology, video production, animation and DJ skills, for careers in music, audio production, film and television.
Broadway Media Centre is the East Midlands flagship cinema and media centre with an established national and international reputation for film exhibition, production and festivals. It also offers access to a creative environment for individuals, groups and schools and encourages participation in the region’s digital arts and creative community through incubator spaces for micro-businesses.
For more on EUROCITIES visit their website, or contact Elena Lai, Regional and International Team, Nottingham City Council, on +44 (0)115 915 5094, or email elena.lai@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on +44 (0)115 848 8782, or email dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk, or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on +44 (0)115 848 8774, or email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
