Relationships between cultural organisations and local creative industries

AEA's research explores the relationships between cultural organisations and local creative industries in the context of UK-based cultural districts. Looking at the relationships between the cultural and creative industries in six urban clusters, AEA found that, while each district has unique characteristics, commonalities can be observed. These are seen particularly in supply chain interactions between anchor organisations and creative firms and freelancers; knowledge exchange, skills development and networking; and area branding and placemaking. In consultation, AEA also identified demand for measures and initiatives from professionals in both sectors, which include the need for communication mechanisms and networks of constituents in cultural districts; the provision of affordable rental space for artists and freelancers; collaboration from anchor organisation's in programming and acting as 'test beds' for new creative ideas; and collaborative placemaking and localised cultural programming projects in the public realm.