New network for creative industries comes to Swansea
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting Creative Swansea, a newly established network for creative professionals working across the city, bringing together established businesses and freelancers alongside start-ups and aspiring creative professionals.
The launch took place at Swansea Arena on September 26 with representatives of the creative industry and cultural sector for a panel discussion on how to sustain and grow the creative sector across Swansea’s travel to work area. Creative Swansea is being funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by cultural services within Swansea Council.
Speakers include representatives from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea University, The Bunkhouse, Elysium Gallery, Zygo Media, Tramshed Tech, Grand Ambition, Swansea Council’s regeneration team and Gower College, as well as documentary film maker Joe David Evans and Huw Williams, who worked extensively in the music industry. The panel encouraged a collaborative approach to creative industry development.
The launch event was part of a long-term plan to establish a creative network in Swansea and surrounding areas. The network will arrange regular events for discussions, networking, collaboration opportunities, upskilling sessions, talks and more.
Caroline Thraves, Director of Art and Media, who chaired the panel, said: UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, the oldest and most established art college in Wales, provides artists with a platform to explore and innovate, contributing to cultural diversity and preserving artistic heritage. By nurturing the next generation of artists, we help to ensure that the arts remain vibrant and reflective of evolving social narratives.
“We are delighted to be part of Creative Swansea. Art is a powerful connector, bringing together diverse groups of people, fostering collaboration across cultural, racial, and socioeconomic divides. Through performances, exhibitions, and public events, we can create shared experiences that strengthen community bonds and encourage dialogue around important social issues.
“The creative industries are a significant driver of the global economy. Film, textiles, design, and digital arts contribute billions to GDP in many countries. By supporting the arts, we can help cultivate talent that feeds into these industries, ensuring continued economic innovation and growth. Graduates from our creative programs often become entrepreneurs, starting businesses that generate jobs and cultural capital.”
Tracey McNulty, Head of Cultural Services at Swansea Council, said: “We have been discussing the opportunity for a Creative Swansea network with partners and individuals in Swansea and the surrounding areas for some time, learning from similar set-ups elsewhere.
“The network is a great opportunity to join forces between the institutions in the region with the sector, at all levels, for the benefit of all.
“It’s fantastic to see it coming together thanks to the funding achieved and the drive and commitment of everyone working to make this happen.”
Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Human Rights at Swansea Council, said: “We already know that Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire act as a hub for creative businesses and have fantastic opportunities for creative organisations to develop, invest, and offer fulfilling careers for emerging talent.
“By establishing the Creative Swansea Network, we hope to unite creative organisations to improve collaborative working and consider opportunities for sector-wide growth and development.
“The creative and cultural sector is currently estimated to contribute over £120 billion to the UK economy and we want to listen to what the sector needs in order to grow.”
Nerys Evans, Strategic Manager for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy at Swansea Council, said : “The launch event ‘A Creative Future’ is just the start of a programme of panel discussions, networking and upskilling events. We encourage creative practitioners, businesses and aspiring professionals to get in touch with us to find out more about the network.”
Following the launch event, two further sessions will take place.
The Esports Wales and CreaTech industry networking event will take place on October 24 in XP gaming Bar, with speakers from Esports Wales, Zygo Media, DragonfiAR, Swansea University, Creative Wales and Swansea Council. There will be some special guests from the world of streaming, with XP Gaming Bar set to become Wales’ second ever Esports Wales ‘local’.
The second event for this calendar year will take place on a date to be confirmed in November at HQ Urban Kitchen, partnering with Urban Foundry, and themed for creative business start-ups. Funding and finance advice will be shared, with tailored guidance on how to access funds and how to set up a creative business. Speakers are still to be confirmed.
To join Creative Swansea and find out more about the free event series, visit ticketsource.co.uk
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071