Newport City Council has welcomed the publication of a report which sets out potential future growth opportunities for the city’s creative sector.

The Creative Industries Cluster Hub Impact Report (Un, dau, tri: Steps towards developing a framework to support regional creative clusters), written by Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy, sets out the findings of a demonstrator pilot project to develop cultural hubs and the creative industries in Newport, Monmouthshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The project followed on from the learnings of Clwstwr, a creative industry cluster hub established in Cardiff from 2018-2023.

Newport’s pilot was centred around providing business support for the creative sector, and was led by the Startup Stwdio hub based at the city centre campus of the University of South Wales, with support from Newport Live’s Riverfront Theatre.

The report highlights that Newport already has the foundations of a well-established creative sector boasting a turnover of £400million, with the city’s strengths lying in film, TV, music and advertising, and that providing targeted investment and support could generate an additional £1.5m into the local economy.

It also highlights that creatives working in the three pilot areas are keen to benefit from the networking and access to advice and support that creative cluster hubs can provide.

The report was launched last night at an event in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The event featured performances from Newport-based band Joe Kelly and the Royal Pharmacy, and an exhibition of work from artists in each of the pilot areas.

Commenting on the launch, Councillor Emma Stowell-Corten, cabinet member for communications and culture, said:” I am delighted to welcome the launch of the Creative Industry Cluster Hub impact report.

“Newport is a city with creativity at its core; a creativity which has shaped our history and drives our future ambitions, so it really comes as no surprise that this report has confirmed that we have a wealth of talent that can contribute hugely to the future growth of both the city and region.

“As the report shows, targeted investment can produce results. More jobs, more revenue generated, and a stronger cultural offer across the city, so it is key that we put the right support structures in place that allow strong, local networks of creative activity to flourish.

“Given this we call on all stakeholders in the sector to embrace the lessons highlighted in the report to come together to support the creative talent that exists outside the capital; talent that is both diverse and uniquely Welsh in nature.

“We are extremely proud of our city’s creative sector, and we look forward to continuing our work with the whole creative community in the city, building a Newport where creativity and culture thrive.”