With the recent emergence of major acts like Nia Archives, Yard Act, and Corinne Bailey-Rae, all born and bred in Yorkshire, the Northern region is beginning to be recognised as an authentic place where modern talent can originate and develop.
Much of this development can be traced back to the current Mayor, Tracy Brabin, who has pledged £2.3 million to her ‘You Can Make It Here’ program, which aims to support and grow the region's creative sector through a range of training and investment opportunities. She has made it clear that she is “on a mission to make sure that West Yorkshire’s world-class culture offer is accessible to all”. The initial scheme began in February, leading masterclasses for creative freelancers and microbusinesses across Yorkshire, in the hopes of aiding them to “unleash their full potential”. This reflects her dedication to creatives, specifically freelancers, who were disproportionally impacted and forgotten by previous government grants (particularly in light of COVID). Many more initiatives are set to be launched over the coming months, including business and skills training.
Most recently, in collaboration with Leeds Conservatoire, Come Play With Me, and Create Britain, she has introduced a brand-new regional network, aimed at connecting creative musical and backstage talent, as well as largescale projects and opportunities across the region. It aims to act as a central hub for industry professionals to share knowledge and insight, and create collaborative opportunities. Significantly, the scheme is open to creatives at any career stage, encouraging inclusivity across Yorkshire’s music sector; they have a specific focus on underrepresented groups and those facing barriers to opportunities. She understands “there is so much talent and ambition in our region, and this network will help to drive opportunities, growth, and inward investment”.
Yorkshire’s dedication to the development of its creative sectors is not going without reward. Currently sporting the fastest growing creative sector beyond London, West Yorkshire’s dynamic success has been a national and international success story. Creative industries contribute £2 billion to the region’s economy, supporting 48,000 jobs across almost 9,000 businesses.
This creative success is currently cumulating in the Leeds Creative Skills Festival, returning to the Royal Armouries for the third year this November. This is a place for creatives to find out about careers and skills in marketing, design, film, TV, VFX, visual arts, music, publishing, and many more. Alongside this, all creative industries are welcomed as an exhibitor to promote their organisation and industry. With repeated success and positive reviews, it’s an amazing way for new creatives to find a space for themselves within the industry they desire.
Yorkshire acts as a global example of the importance of investing in the creative industry, and the rewards that can be reaped from it. With investments from national establishments and council funding only increasing, it is quickly taking over both the Northern and national creative industries, and doesn’t seem to be slowing its trajectory anytime soon.
