The ACT Government will partner with University of Canberra (UC) to analyse the ACT creative sector, review best practice models for sector development and outline future opportunities with a focus on jobs growth.
The ACT Creative Industries Assessment will see the ACT Government and UC jointly invest in a comprehensive body of research, analysis and consultation that will inform policy development, sector uplift and resilience.
"Canberra is home to a flourishing creative sector. The better we understand it, the better we can support its growth," said Assistant Minister for Economic Development and Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne.
In Australia, the creative and cultural sector contributes $90.1 billion to the national economy, adds $45.9 billion in GDP and generates annual exports of $3.2 billion.
Through a joint investment from the ACT Government and UC of $267,300, UC will lead work to define the creative industries in the context of the ACT, analyse and map the extensive sector, review best practices from abroad, identify our competitive advantages, and quantify the benefits of the creative industries including its direct economic value.
"With the ACT already deeply invested in its local creative and cultural sector, with higher rates of cultural attendance and creative participation than any other region in Australia, we are well-positioned to grow our strong creative economy," said Minister Cheyne.
"This assessment will assist us to better define and understand the ACT's creative sector and, by doing so, help guide us where to further invest in our local capability and capacity as well as identify opportunities for collaboration," said Minister Cheyne.
The ACT Creative Industries Assessment is due to be completed later this year.
Quotes attributable to University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor, Paddy Nixon:
"Creativity is at the heart of the jobs of the future and Canberra is well placed to grow and diversify our economy through a thriving creative industry.
"The University of Canberra is part of the ACT creative sector, with a long history of researching, collaborating with and contributing to Canberra's creative workforce.
"The University of Canberra also has some of the foremost experts in economic modelling, creative industries practices and strategies, and wellbeing assessments in Australia."
