The creative industries play a key role in the development of the Welsh economy.
This report aims to begin to map the overall strength of the creative industries in Wales, so that we might begin to tell the story of a creative nation and an emerging and significant media cluster in its capital city.
The creative industries are not only an important pillar for economic growth and a way of re-shaping the local economy, they are the nation’s storytellers, representing and promoting Welsh culture, Welsh talent and the Welsh language.
We have estimated that there are more than 8,000 active enterprises and 80,000 people working in the creative industries in Wales.
The global economy is dominated by large, highly integrated media and technology companies (e.g. Disney, Amazon, Comcast). At the same time, 98% of enterprises in the Welsh creative industries are small and micro businesses. They will need specific forms of support if they are to thrive in a competitive global market.
Professor Justin Lewis, Director of Clwstwr said:
More will be needed if Wales is to move its creative industries from national to international strength.
You can download the full report here:
The data for this report was collected before the COVID-19 pandemic. It paints a picture of the Welsh creative industries before the disruption caused by COVID-19, which has had a profound impact on many creative businesses and freelancers, many of whom face significant losses in revenue. This report provides a baseline that will enable us, in the future, to make a detailed assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industries in the medium and longer term.
This research report was authored by:
Dr Marlen Komorowski, Impact Analyst
