Creative businesses took part in Torbay’s first hackathon to explore how to grow the Torbay’s creative sector. The event took place on July 10 at the Hilton Hotel in Torquay.
With 40 individuals, the event has ignited a desire to form a collaborative creative cluster in the Bay and for the first time brought together animators, architects, designers, gamers, marketers, photographers, printer, videographers, charities and school groups.
The session was facilitated by Impact Torbay, who support a range of businesses across the Bay around innovation and growth. Their programme is delivered by Studio Zao and is free for all businesses to attend due to UK Shared Prosperity Fund funding. Part of their support includes incubating ideas to tackle local community challenges, providing a platform for voices to be heard and ideas to be taken forward.
The group were asked how can creative businesses be supported to thrive and grow in Torbay?
Liz Mackie from The Creatives Universe said “There are 290 creative businesses listed with Companies House operating within Torbay employing 800+ people. It is thought that the real number could be closer to 1000+ businesses with around 2000 people employed in creative industries locally.”
The hackathon attendees highlighted the biggest barriers holding their businesses back. For the majority of creatives, this was identified overwhelmingly as a lack of time. Other challenges included space, marketing, networking, operational constraints along with financial concerns.
The groups were also asked to work together to consider possible solutions to the challenges outlined.
One of the core themes was a need to connect with other creatives ‘in person’. The collective need addressed some of the logistical issues faced by the majority of creatives who worked in isolation at home. Networking was also identified as an enhancement to the creative process.
Simon Beer, Managing Director of Bigwave Marketing said “There is already a diverse range of creatives working across the Bay, but we lack the center of gravity to connect and grow a defined sector. Through targeted support there is an opportunity to significantly contribute to the local economy and create more jobs.”
Ideas expressed through the hackathon included creation of a physical space to meet and network, exchange ideas and co-create. Similar to the HiTech Forum, it was felt that a Creative Cluster could provide creatives with a stronger, unified voice in Torbay.”
A cluster could have increased autonomy and influence in terms of obtaining grant funding from areas such as Innovate UK, the Government body that funds and supports research and innovation.
One of the benefits of a cluster highlighted by the group was the sharing of equipment and resources such as a specialist cameras, virtual assistants and the opportunity to outsource work.
A cluster would also mean that there is a single place to access creatives experts. Schools at the event found it challenging to find creatives to come in and talk to children about potential careers or to provide experiences which made them proud of the area.
The health benefits of a ‘buddy’ and a central digital directory were also mentioned.
Another core theme was the need for business incubation, highlighting that many young creatives had to leave the Bay in order to study or find work. Establishing an interim period was seen as important to help young people define their work and start generating an income for themselves.
While attendees liked the idea of a physical building which acted as a creative hub, this took a backseat to the importance of the creative community acting as a single cluster.
The group will meet again on 28th August at the Unleashed Theatre company at 29 Abbey Road in Torquay from 5-7pm to create a steering group and formalise ideas and action plans for the wider group.
More details about the event can be found here Torbay’s Creative Cluster August Meet Up – The Creatives Universe
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