Across the world, economic and development agencies have identified the creative industries as a growth sector, and most are supporting them through some form of cluster-based strategy.
A cluster is a structure that encourages likeminded practitioners who share a common objective to band together, pool resources, develop networks and form partnerships. A popular example of a business cluster is Silicon Valley in the US.
The UK's Department of Trade and Industry notes that 'dividends from creative clusters can be enormous in terms of civic image, training and engagement in the economy as well as purely economic terms.' However the sector also faces special challenges: creative clusters are not the same as other clusters, and common strategies will not work'. In other words, the creative sector is booming, but not thanks to mainstream economic development strategies. (Source: Creative Clusters)
The US state of Montana is an example of a highly successful creative industry cluster. Many individual artists, crafters, and writers were drawn to the area, which boasts a beautiful natural environment, or supported in their efforts by universities, creative arts schools and workshops, or residencies in the state's cities. Art also flourishes on the reservations where each tribe builds on traditions to make products that are sold to tourists and contribute to local economies. (Source: The Creative Enterprise Cluster)
A report by Regional Technology Strategies to the Montana Governor's Office recommended matching Montana's creativity cluster to other regions that depend on creative enterprise as one approach to sharing ideas and markets.
Clarence Creative plans to investigate the development of links with creative industry practitioners and groups in Australia and overseas, including Montana, Great Britain and New Zealand, to share information and ideas, and potentially leading to shared marketing activities.
