Creative Industries Projects Awarded

• creativity

Craft NI,NI Music Industry Commission (NIMIC),NI Business Innovation Centre (NORIBIC Ltd) and Belfast City Council are the initial recipients of Creative Industries Innovation Funding, worth a total of £283,560.

The funding, administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, was targeted at sectoral bodies for innovative initiatives which will develop the infrastructure, knowledge and people within the creative sector.

• NIMIC will provide a package that includes the commissioning of a comprehensive sectoral research study, significant website development, an international marketing and showcasing programme and advanced creative skills training.
• Craft NI will use the funding to create best practice examples for business development and creative innovation, marketing plans, to employ business development advisers and to purchase equipment to be used for craft exhibitions, displays and retail across NI.
• Belfast City Council will participate in a key US forum for the international media industry. ‘SXSW' or South by South West in Texas, is a global platform where 10 of Belfast's up-and-coming musicians represent the wealth of talent and creativity in the city. It will also provide a unique opportunity for 10 creative businesses in the fields of music, film and digital media to develop, inward investment and innovation.
• NORIBIC ‘s, ‘Awakening Creative Entrepreneurism UnConference' in March 2009 will have an online element and will be recorded, streamed real-time and have its own virtual world presence, to maximize lasting impact. Creative business opportunities will be developed at local venues and across a swathe of remote and international audiences, who can participate through streams or view on-demand recordings.

The Second round of funding which was open to all creative businesses in Northern Ireland, has received 350 applications. Decisions on this round will be announced in late spring. The fund will re-open in the autumn of 2009.

For further information please contact the Creative Industries Innovation Fund team at the Arts Council, Tel: (028) 9038 5200, Email innovation@artscouncil-ni.org, or visir the website at www.artscouncil-ni.org.