Creative Industries
Somerset's thriving creative industries employ almost 6,500 people – up 85% over the last five years.
It is Somerset’s fastest-growing key sector and includes all those who create wealth and new jobs though individual creativity, skills and talents.
The county’s creative sector is dominated by small businesses – 98% are single-site, owner-managed companies, including web designers, artists, craftspeople, musicians, film-makers and more.
Creatives need a reliable broadband network, and Somerset's ICT network has some of the UK's highest connection rates. Good quality broadband and telecoms services are vital for businesses, according to a recent Into Somerset survey.
There is also opportunity to target international collaborative working. This is provided through bodies such as SCAT (Somerset College of Art and Technology), creative clusters in Taunton, Frome and Bridgwater and support agencies, including Arts Matrix and South West Arts Marketing.
Artists receive support and promotion through events such as Somerset Arts Week, a co-ordinated countywide annual exhibition. In 2006, 750 artists generated £750,000 in direct sales in just two weeks.
Future musical theatre stars pursue their West End dreams through professional training at The Academy Theatre, in Shepton Mallet, run by BAPA (Bristol Academy of Performing Arts).
Traditional theatre plays an important role in the cultural life of Somerset with 10 theatres across the county. International touring company, Theatre Mélange, moved from East Sussex to Somerset partly because they had already forged links with the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton.
The Somerset Design Enterprise Network brings the county's design industry together and provides a meeting point for design, industry, education and more.
Courses in creative arts and performing art courses are available through BAPA, Somerset College, Richard Huish College, Yeovil College, Strode College and Frome College, which has specialist Media Arts status.
The important creative centres of Bath, Bristol and Exeter are within easy reach of Somerset.