A collaboration between universities in the West of England – including the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), University of Bristol, Bath Spa University and the University of Bath – and businesses in the creative technology sector is set to receive a multi-million pound investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Creative Industries Clusters Programme.
The new ‘Bristol and Bath Creative Industries Cluster’ is designed to support, connect and amplify the brilliant work that takes place in the region.
The scheme will take a share of £80m from the Creative Industries Clusters Programme and is designed to improve the performance of the creative industries in and around the region.
The idea behind the project is simple. By combining research from the universities of Bath and Bath Spa, with that from the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) everyone involved can benefit from improving the existing technology strengths in the region including XR (immersive experiences), live performance and 5G, the injection of new funding will support new development labs, fellowship schemes and large project funding.
The scheme also includes a number of important cultural institutions including the Watershed in Bristol and a host of companies working across design, broadcast, performance, technology, publishing and other sectors.
This is an excellent opportunity to truly leverage the academic and industrial strength in the region, which will lead to innovative new research and productions. The creative industries are one of the jewels of the UK economy – with the South West playing a leading role. The cluster programme will help us maintain our global competitiveness at a time where new and exciting opportunities such as XR are emerging Professor Darren Cosker, University of Bath
The creative sector in the South West has been highlighted as having huge potential for international growth. The scheme will build upon the success of the AHRC-supported REACT programme which has generated over £7.5m of economic activity.
Bristol and Bath Creative R&D will be one of nine research and development partnerships across the country in the AHRC Creative Industries Cluster Programme.
