This project, part funded by the Committee for Perth, represents an innovative exploration of the role of culture and the arts in attracting and retaining ‘creatives’. Drawing on a range of social and economic contexts, the study will analyse the push and pull factors relating to the creative industries workforce and, in broader terms, creative and innovative thinkers. It will examine the ebbs and flows of creative workers in and out of Perth.
People are the powerbase of innovation and economic prosperity, and a rich and diverse cultural environment is imperative to the retention of creative and talented people. In this respect, creative industries research is central to the economic development of both cities and the regions. This project will make a significant contribution to the discourse concerning creative capital, creative industries and the creative workforce. In particular it will highlight the importance of building and nurturing creative capital for Australia’s economic and social wellbeing. It will address international concern about the substantial attrition from the creative industries workforce and will contribute to the formation of effective solutions to some of the challenges of contemporary urban and regional environments.
The research is being led by Dr Dawn Bennett, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University of Technology but the concept of creativity on the ‘Western Edge’ has led to links with research teams and city organisations in both Glasgow and Vancouver which will give the research international scope and context. It is hoped that this international collaboration will result in an array of research outcomes and initiatives that will be implemented in all three cities.
The project will enable the interdisciplinary research team and its partners to assess the significance of creative capital to economic, cultural and social wellbeing, contributing towards the development of policies that will underpin and support vibrant communities. The researchers will work with educators, industry representatives and practitioners to identify the skills and attributes that are essential to building sustainable creative industry careers. The results will make a vital contribution to policy, urban planning, and arts education and training in Australia, Canada and Scotland.
The Western Edge artist workforce study was launched in Vancouver in April and in Perth in May. Glasgow will be following later in the year. If you are working in the creative industry and want to be involved in the Perth artist workforce study, please contact Dr Dawn Bennett at Curtin University on 08 9266 4482 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Alternatively visit the website of Simon Fraser University who are also partnering in the study to download the Understanding the Creative Workforce Survey.