Agenda Item 3 - Creative Network South Update November 2014
Funding Applications
Following the September CNS meeting Rosy Jones prepared an initial submission to the Regional Growth Fund, the proposal focused on supporting the development of SMEs in the manufacturing sector by providing access to creative expertise and creative graduates.
Liz Smith of Southampton City Council raised the significance of creative industries at a meeting of local authority European Funding Officers; Elizabeth has subsequently convened a meeting of creative industry stakeholders to discuss a possible Interreg application to fund creative industries business support. An update on this proposal will be provided at the November meeting.
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce/Southampton Solent University Event – Signposting business support for the creative industries
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce are organising an event at Southampton Solent University on the 20thJanuary ,to promote support available to creative businesses.
Independent Games Network
Simon Brooks at University of Portsmouth will launch the independent games networkon the 19th of November . CNS has agreed to contribute £500 to support the development of the network.
Fashion and Textiles
Following the completion of the Interreg funded Plustex project , in which Winchester School of Art was a partner, Charles Freeman and Cheryl Butler met with Paul Whittaker and Clio Padovani at the school of arts to discuss options for implementation. These included a possible collaborative showcase event - Winchester School of Arts agreed to prepare a proposal for further consideration.
Open Studio Event Tower House
Aspace held a successful open studio event at Tower House Southampton on the 24th October which highlighted support available to local creative businesses.
Eastleigh Tec Hub
The Tec Hub in Eastleigh was officially opened on the 14th October. The launch received excellent media coverage on BBC South.
Digital Network – The next meeting of the digital network will be on 18th Nov as part of Global Entrepreneurship week.
Employers Network – The employers / Work based learning network will meet on the 11th November at Eastleigh College, the meeting will include an update on the city deal internship programme.
Funding Commitments – CNS has agreed to contribute funding to the following initiatives
-Southern Independent Games Network - £500
-Hampshire Digital Network - £500to support the next cycle of meetings
-Studio providers network - £500 to fund EU funding workshop
-Global Entrepreneurship Week - £400 to support creative industry related events
Capital project update
The New Theatre Royal- redevelopment has faced delay due to increased demand in the construction supply chain. The theatre is however anticipating the handover of the site to occur in January and to Open Easter 2015.
The Cell Block Studios – Construction work will be completed Feb 2015 and fit out will occur March 2015. The University of Portsmouth has a waiting list of businesses wishing to take up occupation from April May, an official opening to which a Government Minister will be invited is likely to take place after the election.
The ARTches Studios – Coastal Communities Funding has been confirmed and work is progressing with the anticipated opening taking place in 2015.