What is the creative economy?

The Creatives, Communities and Economies research project considers the experience of different creative workers in Brunswick and the Merri-bek area.

The industries that make up the creative economy span many disciplines including visual arts, music, theatre, performance, literature, public art, design, fashion, filmmaking, craft and more.

Stencillin’ by Jo Morcom.

The contribution of these industries to the wider economy is sometimes lost in broad discourse about rising inflation, house prices and employment data. However, creative industries in Australia are estimated to account for some $110bn in the economy .

  1. Morgan R, 2021, 'Harness creativity to build a better future', The Australian newspaper

According to UNESCO (2013), the creative economy is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the global economy as a ‘non-monetary value-generating force that contributes significantly to the achievement of inclusive and people-centred sustainable development’. The benefits of a creative economy go beyond pure economics to recognise the positive contribution of the arts to create strong communities and liveable cities.

  1. UNESCO, 2013, Creative Economy Report: Widening Local Development Pathways.
  2. Moreland City Council (2017), Creative Capital: Arts and Culture Strategy, 2017-2022.

This research project acknowledges the vibrant contribution that creative workers bring to local communities and considers how creative practices can be supported in order to be sustainable.

  1. Morgan R, 2021, 'Harness creativity to build a better future', The Australian newspaper
  2. UNESCO, 2013, Creative Economy Report: Widening Local Development Pathways.
  3. Moreland City Council (2017), Creative Capital: Arts and Culture Strategy, 2017-2022.