Clarence Creative is a fresh and unique initiative that will help to improve the viability of the local creative industry and aims to establish the Clarence Valley as a creative hub - a place of character, colour and innovation. It is especially designed for individuals, businesses and organisations who are attempting to make a living primarily through creative activities or by acting as suppliers to the sector.
Operating as a 'creative cluster' the project is an initiative of Clarence Valley Council. Council also welcomes support from the Department for State and Regional Development (DSRD) who have provided funding support for Clarence Creative's web development, training programs and marketing.
Clarence Valley is a vibrant community with room to grow. Boasting a stunning natural environment, strong economic growth, and access to an enviable choice of lifestyle - from country or coast to quiet village or vibrant urban centre - it has become a magnet for creative practitioners seeking both an inspiring space to work and a more affordable lifestyle. Many are also taking advantage of communication technologies and transportation systems, which make it increasingly possible to operate a creative enterprise - wherever you choose to be.
Clarence Creative provides its local creative practitioner members with support in the form of professional development, regular networking events, mentoring programs, project opportunities and by providing an online forum where members can discuss sharing resources, equipment and work spaces. This website is a key feature of the initiative.
While Clarence Valley Council's Economic Development Strategic Plan has confirmed that the creative industry in the Clarence Valley has great potential for growth, it also identified that the industry is inhibited by fragmentation.
To tackle this, the Clarence Creative Business Plan was developed through extensive research and consultation with industry practitioners and other stakeholders. The Business Plan delivers an innovative, achievable and sustainable cluster solution for the Clarence Valley creative sector. Clarence Creative is managed by the Clarence Creative Working Group comprising local working practitioners, council staff and representatives from Arts Northern Rivers and the Department of State and Regional Development.
For more information on the Clarence Creative Working Group email info@clarencecreative.com
