Creative Industries Innovation Fund is launched

20/07/2011

Businesses specialising in digital content are being encouraged to submit innovative business ideas to the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

The creative industries are recognised across the globe for their potential for job and wealth creation. DCAL is investing £4million over the next four years to support this key growth sector for the region. This will include grants to creative businesses through the Creative Industries Innovation Fund administered by the Arts Council, in association with NI Screen and Digital Circle.

Arts Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín said: “A key aim of the Executive is to rebuild and rebalance our economy. We can do this by stimulating innovation, R&D and creativity to drive export focused growth. Almost 36,000 people are employed across the North in the creative industries or in creative occupations. This vibrant sector has huge potential and can have significant spill-over impact into other business areas such as manufacturing and tourism.

“In supporting local businesses and wider sectoral initiatives my goal is to create and sustain a creative pipe-line from which creative people, creative ideas and creative businesses emerge. This will help local businesses to develop content, products, services and experiences capable of competing on the world stage.”

The first round of the fund will focus on digital content projects and will include businesses involved in animation, web and mobile content, e-learning, film, television and music.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: “The inaugural Creative Industries Fund supported 133 businesses and provided many examples of the economic potential of our creative sector. Our new round of funding prioritises digital content projects but recognises that new business and global market opportunities can be found through collaboration between all types of creative businesses. I would encourage all sections of the creative industries to explore collaborative opportunities and apply for support.”

The Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) guidelines and application form can be accessed at http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/award/innovation.html

CIIF priorities over 2011-15 are:

• Digital Content.
• Export-focused activity.
• Cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Innovation and entrepreneurial potential of NI’s culture, arts and leisure base.

The first call is for digital content projects completing by 31 March 2012. The deadline for applications is 25th August and 29th August 2011. Grants will be offered up to a maximum of £10,000.

Years 2-4 will be open to all creative industries sub-sectors. The majority of grants over 2011-15 will be for £10,000 or under. The second CIIF call will open in December 2012 for projects running over April 2012 – March 2013.

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