Creative Republic Launch Party and Charter

(Photos by me and Isabel - thanks!)

Last night was the launch of Creative Republic and was a great evening. Well done to everyone who helped make it happen, and congratulations again to Pete on Created in Birmingham’s first birthday.It was nice to meet some new people, chat to those I already knew and make ‘real world’ connections with people I’ve only known until now through the web.

The main thrust of the event was that we’re setting up an independent, representative group to lobby for, market and represent the needs of the creative and cultural industries in Birmingham and we’d like anyone who agrees with what we’re trying to do to take a look at our Charter and join us.

The Launch of the Creative Republic Charter

Here’s the full text of the Charter:

If you are in advertising, antiques, applied arts, architecture, crafts, design, fashion, film, games, music, performing arts, publishing, software, tv and radio we’d like to hear from you.

Creative Republic is seeking your support.

We are a group of people who make our living in the sector. We passionately believe that a new representative body is needed to support the creative and cultural industries in Birmingham and the region, which is why we’ve set up Creative Republic.

Research indicates that the total GVA (Gross Value Added) of the creative sector in the West Midlands was over £2.5bn back in 2001– and we’re still growing! It has also been suggested that the region could see 250,000 new jobs in the creative and cultural sector over the next seven years. So there’s work to be done to support that projected growth and have our say.

We believe the creative and cultural industries:

1. Add to the quality of life of a city, making it vibrant and dynamic

2. Contribute to the positive image of a city

3. Generate wealth both directly and indirectly

But, we have a few burning issues:

1. Getting more credibility and recognition for the contribution we make

2. Ensuring our significant voice is heard for the benefit of us all

3. Finding a way for us all to come together more effectively

We believe that Birmingham needs an independent representative organisation for us to:

1. Influence decision-making about the city

2. Represent the needs of our industries to those who can make changes

3. Connect creative people with each other and those in other industries

We’ll gain strength in numbers:

To achieve this, we Creative Republic, are seeking your support.

By signing up to this Charter, it enables us to say that we represent your views.

The more people we can say that we represent, the stronger, louder and more effective our voice will be.

Agree with this? Go and sign it »