Creativity boosting NI regeneration

Creativity is boosting Northern Ireland's social, cultural and economic regeneration, Culture Minister David Hanson has told an international conference in Belfast today.

Addressing over 350 delegates at the opening reception of the 'Creative Clusters' conference in Belfast's City Hall, Mr Hanson said creativity extended boundaries as well as breaking down divisions between arts, technology, science, language and physical activity.

"It is not only at the heart of our arts and creative industries, but it underpins our ability to innovate, create and exploit new economic opportunities and compete more effectively," he continued.

"In Northern Ireland, 'Unlocking Creativity' is the key initiative driving government policy in the creative industries sector. Working together, four government departments have recognised the cross-cutting nature of creativity and are making connections between education, business, the cultural sector and the local community to help support and maintain Northern Ireland as a creative region."

The Minister pointed out that children were the most creative citizens and that creativity was fundamental to good education: "Recent developments in the Department of Education have now placed creativity right at the heart of the education system permeating all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment," he said.

These changes are an investment in our future and will help bring forward a new generation of writers, artists and musicians."

Creative Clusters 2005 is the only annual international conference on policy for creative industries. Its purpose is to help people engaged in the development of creative industries around the world, to communicate and share resources with each other.

(MB/SP)