25 March 2004

Strategy for Northland’s Creative Industries to be Produced

Northland’s creative industries are the latest sector of the regional economy to have a comprehensive strategy under development.

The “Northland Forward Together” strategy, launched in 2002, identified the arts as a potential growth sector for the region.

Now a strategy is to be prepared, outlining the opportunities and economic benefits for the arts sector and how to advance them to a higher level across the Northland region.

“The arts sector has the potential to provide significant and sustainable further employment opportunities within Northland,” said Bill Shepherd, chair of the Enterprise Northland Creative Industries Development Group, a 12-member steering group.

Consultants to develop the strategy are currently being chosen, and there will be opportunities for community input during the second half of the year, with the strategy scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

“It will definitely be an inclusive process, and we will be looking for suggestions from anybody that’s involved in the creative side of the economy,” said Mr Shepherd.

ENDS

© Scoop Media