Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman and Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly will join industry experts from Western Australia's screen, immersive technology and games sectors for the second Creative Industries Consortium today.
The Consortium will identify key opportunities and strategies for investment within the rapidly growing industries in order to boost jobs and accelerate economic growth.
Today's events will focus on the creative industries in Western Australia that have a strong digital technology and interactive element. This includes video games, eSports, as well as art collections, theatre, film, television, music and storytelling that is delivered through new technology such as immersive and augmented reality.
The Consortium also aims to strengthen the working relationship between the industry and Government, while seeking expert advice on the challenges and issues faced by the sector such as regulative burdens.
The first Creative Industries Consortium was held in 2017 by Premier Mark McGowan and presented an overall view of the creative industries ecology.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The screen, immersive technology and games sectors are experiencing rapid global growth, so it is important to nurture our own Western Australian pioneers in these sectors.
"It's also clear there is an appetite from audiences for these types of interactive and immersive experiences. The virtual reality adventure, The Antarctica Experience at the Western Australian Museum is one recent success story.
"We've also recently announced XR:WA, the first virtual reality film festival for Western Australian audiences and the sector, which will be held this July.
"97 per cent of Australian homes with children have a device for playing interactive games, and 67 per cent of all Australians play video games, so developing the next generation of immersive experiences in Western Australia has significant potential."
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:
"Through the $16.7 million New Industries Fund, the McGowan Government is delivering on its election commitment to support new and emerging businesses including those in the games industry, which will create jobs and diversify the economy.
"I was pleased to hear from International Access Pass grant recipients today, who have been supported by the McGowan Government to showcase their products at major games business events and are finding business deals in this massive global market.
"There is a real opportunity for smart, skilled and innovative Western Australians to grow exports and sell their content into the $124 billion global games industry."
