NI Focuses On Film, TV And Animation

A Stormont Minister is encouraging local firms to 'get creative' as new innovation fund is launched.

The first round of awards will focus on digital content projects and will include businesses involved in animation, web and mobile content, e-learning, film, television and music.

The NI Arts Minister, Sinn Fein's Carál Ní Chuilín, has encouraged businesses specialising in digital content to submit innovative business ideas to the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

The Minister said: "A key aim of the Executive is to rebuild and rebalance our economy.

"We can do this by stimulating innovation, R&D and creativity to drive export focused growth.

"Almost 36,000 people are employed in the creative industries or in creative occupations.

"This vibrant sector has huge potential and can have significant spill-over impact into other business areas such as manufacturing and tourism," she enthused, noting that the creative industries are recognised across the globe for their potential for job and wealth creation.

DCAL is investing £4m over the next four years to support this key growth sector for the region.

This will include grants to creative businesses through the Creative Industries Innovation Fund administered by the Arts Council, in association with NI Screen and Digital Circle.

"In supporting local businesses and wider sectoral initiatives my goal is to create and sustain a creative pipe-line from which creative people, creative ideas and creative businesses emerge," she continued.

"This will help local businesses to develop content, products, services and experiences capable of competing on the world stage."

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: "The inaugural Creative Industries Fund supported 133 businesses and provided many examples of the economic potential of our creative sector.

"Our new round of funding prioritises digital content projects but recognises that new business and global market opportunities can be found through collaboration between all types of creative businesses. I would encourage all sections of the creative industries to explore collaborative opportunities and apply for support," she said.

(BMcC/GK)