Creative Wales support gives rise to over £200m for the Welsh economy

Creative Wales, the Welsh Government agency dedicated to nurturing the country’s creative industries, has significantly impacted the Welsh economy, generating an impressive £208.7 million since its inception in 2020.

The agency’s investment of £18.1 million in production funding has supported 37 projects, highlighting the economic vitality of the creative sector.

The impact of Creative Wales is notably illustrated by the recent airing of the new drama ‘Men Up,’ inspired by the true story behind the medical trials for Viagra.

The support from Creative Wales was instrumental in bringing Matthew Barry’s script to life, featuring a stellar cast of Welsh talent including Joanna Page, Iwan Rheon, and Steffan Rhodri.

‘Men Up’ is just one of six original Welsh dramas supported this year for broadcast on the BBC, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to developing local talent and stories.

The creative sector in Wales employs approximately 32,500 people, with a considerable freelance workforce. In 2022, the sector achieved an annual turnover of £1.4 billion, a testament to its growing influence and economic contribution.

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden, emphasized the success of the creative industries, noting the significant return on investment and the exciting prospects for 2024.

These include the second series of HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’ and new dramas like Michael Sheen’s ‘The Way’ and ‘Lost Boys and Fairies.’

Creative Wales’s investments extend beyond television and film, encompassing music, games, digital, publishing, and animation sectors.

Noteworthy achievements include the airing of ‘The Rubbish World of Dave Spud’s’ third season and the animated feature ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom,’ which was nominated for the Cristal for Best Feature at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

In the gaming industry, the US specialist company Rocket Science announced the establishment of a new studio in Cardiff, creating 50 skilled jobs.

The music sector also saw significant backing from Creative Wales, with investments into music labels, management businesses, and support for various music events.

Furthermore, the Books Council of Wales facilitated the first Creative Wales led trade mission to the 75th Frankfurt Book Fair, promoting Welsh publishers and organisations on an international stage.

In line with sustainable practices, Welsh Government funding through Creative Wales is encouraging studios to sign up to the Sustainable Studio Standard, underlining a commitment to a greener future for the film and television industries.

The Deputy Minister said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the creative industries, and I’m delighted that Wales continues to prove itself as a great place to live, work, visit and invest in.

“I know that Creative Wales will continue to work closely with the sector here to provide the support that will help ensure it has a vibrant, sustainable and healthy future.”