Statistics from the Welsh Government have shown that sectors supported by Creative Wales have helped to boost the economy.
In 2023 alone, a turnover of £1.5 billion was generated, with industries now employing more than 35,000 people. This comes three years after the Welsh Government established Creative Wales, in order to support priority creative sectors in a financially testing time.
According to the latest statistics from the Welsh Government, there are now more than 3,500 businesses operating in the creative industries, an increase on 2018 figures. The TV and film industry alone in Wales has helped to generate £460 million for the Welsh Economy with globally successful productions being filmed in the country. Alongside this, Creative Wales has also supported the development of the new Cymru Broadcasting Centre which has built up creative skills in Wales.
Alongside broadcasting, digital and music sectors in Wales are performing well as they generated £565 million for the economy – a significant increase on 2022 numbers.
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, said:
“We should be shouting from the rooftops about the strength and success of our creative industries in Wales. These figures demonstrate what we already suspected – that the film and TV, music, games, digital, animation and publishing sectors are now important employers here with turnover and jobs growing at a rate well above the Welsh average.
“In addition to providing funding support, Creative Wales has a track record of supporting home-grown talent and attracting international creative projects. Over the past year we’ve taken Welsh companies to major conferences, festivals and trade fairs in the US and Europe, with more planned for the future.
“I was delighted that a recent FSB report included feedback from the sector around the positive impact that Creative Wales is having. Creative businesses can be assured that, through Creative Wales, we will continue to work closely with them to help ensure the sector has a vibrant, sustainable and healthy future.”
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