A thriving cultural landscape helps to create places that attract and retain people, businesses, and business leaders. The creativity, innovation, and product development businesses in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) are also an important contributor to the Tees Valley’s future competitiveness, attractiveness, influence, and economic growth:
“The United Kingdom is an unparalleled success story – a multi-cultural, multi-national, multi-ethnic state with the world’s best broadcaster; a vibrantly creative arts sector… [and] entrepreneurs developing the products and services which bring joy and jobs to so many” – ‘Levelling Up the United Kingdom’ White Paper, Feb 2022
The cultural and creative industries, therefore, have a vital role to play in the economic development and future prosperity of the Tees Valley.
The Tees Valley Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) identifies ‘Digital and Creative’ and ‘Culture and Leisure’ as two of seven key growth sectors which are critical to “boosting competitiveness and diversification, improving economic resilience and providing the range of jobs needed to ensure that growth is both widespread and inclusive”. To support the burgeoning culture, creative and visitor industries, Tees Valley Combined Authority is investing in a £20.5m Growth Programme for the Creative and Visitor Economies.