The Role of the Creative Hubs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

As an anchor institution in Cornwall, Falmouth plays an important role in meeting the needs of the creative economy in the region. Falmouth worked with Cornwall Council on the delivery of a report and research papers that provide an overview of the creative hubs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The work illustrates the role hubs can play in the development of the creative industries and makes recommendations for interventions to support creative hubs in the region.

Previous research mapping creative hubs across England, revealed that hubs are bound together by a focus on "convening and building creative communities, often nurturing and maintaining a complex set of relationships and partnerships". We know that hubs make a difference in their communities in a multitude of ways, delivering social, cultural and economic value – and this report investigates the specific potential and significance of hubs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Following an open tender process, in March 2021, Falmouth University in partnership with Cornwall Council commissioned Deepa Naik, Ellen O'Hara and Dr Ceri Gorton to undertake the main report, working closely with University and Council colleagues. 

Alongside the development of the main report, Dr. Abigail Wincott, Dr. Lucy Frears and Andy Chatfield conducted parallel research into Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the creative hubs, with Wincott focussing on programming and Frears and Chatfield focusing on the constitution of board membership.

Key insights from the research were then explored through a series of 'How might we?' questions. This format allowed us to highlight challenges and opportunities for hubs in relation to:

• Collaboration
• Data and influence
• Hub models and resources
• Meeting future needs

The main output is the report, which is available for download below.

Two events have been dedicated to the project so far, both convened by Cornwall Council:

• Creative Conversations I: Online, April 23rd and 29th 2021

• Creative Conversations II: Kresen Kernow, October 20th 2021. At this latter event, Abigail Wincott, Lucy Frears and Andy Chatfield presented presented their findings.

Project Lead:

• Prof. David Prior, Director of Research (Falmouth)

Project coordinator:

• Mhairi Ambler, Senior R&I Projects Officer (Falmouth)

Cornwall Council Leads:

• Tamzyn Smith, Principle Lead for Culture and Creative Industries (Cornwall Council)
• Léa Guzzo, Senior Culture and Creative Industries Officer (Cornwall Council)

Report Authors:

• Ellen O'Hara
• Deepa Naik
• Dr. Ceri Gorton

Academic Researchers:

• Dr. Abigail Wincott, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Communication (Falmouth)
• Andy Chatfield, Senior Lecturer, Production Journalism
• Dr. Lucy Frears, Associate Lecturer (Falmouth)

Graphic Designer: 

• Katie Puremont

Picture Editor and lead for design: 

• Katie Murphy, Head of Design (Falmouth)

Finance: 

• Jo Cooper, Management Accountant (Falmouth)

Proof Reading: 

• Natasha Michell, Vice-Chancellor's project officer

Council support:

• Vicky Reece-Romain, Cultural Officer
• Caitlin McLintock, Culture and Creative Industries Apprentice (Cornwall Council)