There is an interesting debate going on in the North East about the creative industries being ignored by regional support agencies in favour of the digital sector. I can see why they think that with all the activity that surrounds CodeWorks but I think my creative colleagues are a wee bit guilty of naval gazing. I would argue that making the distinction between the creative and digital industries is pointless. Creativity is also at the heart of good digital work. Mind you looking for public money is also pretty pointless at the moment with the imminent Bonfire of Quangos about to engulf the regions business support organisations. This could be a very good thing for the North East creative businesses.
In my experience, the regional support agencies have unwittingly stifled creative work, by supporting mediocre agencies who know how to milk the system. Without creativity and insight the marketing materials these agencies peddle is pretty useless. A poorly designed website that isn’t generating new leads or direct sales is not fit for purpose but who complains when the public purse has funded 50% of the cost. Once there is a list of what can and can’t be funded, suppliers forget about the why and end up focussing on the what. I shudder to think how many boxes of unused folders and inserts are lying around company offices all over the North East or unused exhibition materials.
The Business Link piggy bank is about to be closed so it is time to get back to producing creative strategies that help North East businesses sell things rather finding imaginative ways to fill in funding forms. I’m looking forward to good North East creative agencies winning work and bringing work into the region. I know they are out there because I am working with a few of them.
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