Make and Trade Grant Fund
Background to the grant
Over the last 25 years, the creative industries have progressed from being a fringe activity to a key part of the UK and world economy. It is recognised that a strong creative and cultural sector can help diversify a city centre offer and increase vibrancy. This can have a transformational effect, driving sustainable development and complementing existing retail and leisure activities.
Derby has long been recognised as a city of innovation and creativity. Artistic and cultural production as a broad scope of activities have the potential to provide an overall experience that encourages social interaction, increases visitors, inspires greater civic pride and builds a positive identity for the city.
Need
Research undertaken with creative businesses identified that the current workspace offer within Derby caters mainly to digital and design businesses. The limited workspace supply for artists and makers is over-subscribed and inadequate in its facilities.
More workspaces including co-working, small studio units or maker spaces that offer areas for storage, exhibition, making and opportunity for public engagement are required. It was also noted that small creative enterprises often operate independently, but there is a desire from practitioners to be part of collective spaces within the city centre.
Definition of creative industries
The creative industries are those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent. For this fund the main focus will be on businesses occupied in the production of creative originals such as fashion, jewellery, crafts, visual arts and other types of making. We will also consider businesses involved in film, video, photography, music, illustration, publishing and design.