Regions across the UK are being encouraged to bid for a new wave of creative industries funding as ministers unveil a major package of investment aimed at boosting innovation, skills and regional growth.
Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray visited Liverpool this week to promote a record £500 million programme for research, development and innovation across the sector. The funding forms part of the government’s Industrial Strategy and Creative Industries Sector Plan and is intended to strengthen clusters of creative businesses in cities and regions nationwide.
Liverpool City Region has been highlighted as a model for future investment. The area received almost £7 million in 2024 through the Creative Clusters programme to support music innovation and technology, building on its long standing reputation as one of the UK’s leading centres for music and creative enterprise. The region is home to more than 1,400 music businesses and has produced more UK number one records than any other part of the country.
The government is now inviting bids for more than £27 million in the next round of the Creative Clusters programme. Successful applicants will be able to access funding to develop partnerships between creative businesses and universities, create new training and employment opportunities, and support innovation across sectors including film, television, video games, fashion and music. Individual projects could receive awards of up to nearly £7 million.
The wider funding package includes £369 million allocated to the creative industries through UK Research and Innovation over the Spending Review period, with £100 million set aside specifically for innovative companies. It also includes £25 million for the Createch Futures programme, £155 million to support creative economy infrastructure through the DiSCCO programme, and further investment in the Creative Content Exchange, a planned digital marketplace for cultural and creative assets.
Thousands of creative businesses are expected to benefit, alongside updated guidance on research and development tax relief that clarifies when creative work qualifies for support. UKRI has also published a new research and development strategy for the creative and cultural economy, setting out how public and private investment will be used to develop new technologies, grow businesses and expand international opportunities.
During his visit, the minister attended an event hosted by MusicFutures at Liverpool’s Arena and Convention Centre. MusicFutures is a government funded partnership involving the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, focused on driving innovation in the music sector.
Alongside the Creative Clusters funding, Liverpool City Region has also secured £25 million through the Creative Places Growth Fund, which devolves investment to mayoral authorities with strong growth potential. Local partners are using the funding to strengthen skills and capabilities in areas such as games development, film production, music technology and creative services.
Applications for the next cohort of Creative Clusters are now open, with the programme aiming to expand its geographical reach and address challenges including skills development, equality and diversity, business growth and environmental sustainability. The government says the investment will help ensure the creative industries remain a central driver of economic growth across the UK over the coming decade.
link