The new Creative Industries Innovation Centre
Bearcage crew shooting footage for an interactive tour for the National Portrait Gallery
By Shevaun O'Neill
A new initiative is offering support for creative businesses to realise their potential.
The Creative Industries Innovation Centre was launched in Sydney in February 2009. It connects creative skills with business expertise, so that new ideas and innovations can find their way to the marketplace, providing jobs in the creative sector and stimulating the economy.
Creative industries use individual creativity, skill and talent to create jobs and wealth. But turning an idea into a marketable product or service requires more than just creative talent and enthusiasm.
Arts Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr are enthusiastic about the centre.
"This is an important milestone for creative industries in Australia," Mr Garrett said at the launch. "The centre will provide a focal point for creative industries nationally, with its extensive expertise and its research and knowledge base."
Senator Carr explained that many creative businesses cannot afford to pay for external advice to help improve how their business operates, particularly in these tough financial times.
This is where the Creative Industries Innovation Centre comes in," said Senator Carr. "It will give eligible firms access to a free business review, followed up with matching funding of up to $20,000 to implement changes identified."
The Centre is part of Enterprise Connect, a national network of centres offering practical assistance to help firms become stronger by focusing on innovation, creativity and excellence
While it's hosted at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) city campus, the centre is anything but Sydney-centric.
Its services are provided Australia-wide through UTS's consortium partners, a national business adviser network and the other innovation centres that make up the Government's Enterprise Connect initiative.
Each year the centre will provide up to 300 business reviews and 50 incubation services. It expects to assist 2,000 businesses through workshops, seminars and business opportunities.
Firms from a wide variety of creative fields are eligible for the services: music, performing arts, film, television, radio, marketing, interactive content, writing, publishing, architecture, design and visual arts.
UTS will provide a range of complementary services such as training, business incubation, and opportunities to connect with other businesses.
Eligible business will also be able to take advantage of many other opportunities available through Enterprise Connect, including access to the Researchers in Business program which provides funding to employ a university researcher to work on the implementation of an innovative business process.
For more information on Enterprise Connect, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au
or call the Enterprise Connect hotline on 13 17 91.
Visit the Arts & Culture website www.arts.gov.au/creative_industries for more information about creative industries initiatives.
A creative industries success story: Canberra's Bearcage
Michael Tear, managing director of the creative firm Bearcage, outlines his firm's experience.
Bearcage had a business review conducted through the Enterprise Connect program.
"We needed a plan to get the best out of staff and the management team and to compress five years of business growth into two," said Tear.
Bearcage is the largest film, video, interactive and television production house in Canberra. The firm has more than 18 years experience and has won more than 50 awards.
"We're proud of the innovative interactive tours we worked on for the National Portrait Gallery. We produced 60 mini-documentaries about pieces in the Gallery's collection, and visitors to the gallery can access them in the gallery spaces with iPod touch devices."
Bearcage is just one of the many creative businesses in Australia developing their innovative ideas into successful products and services. Through initiatives like the Creative Industries Innovation Centre, both creative practitioners and businesses will have greater opportunities to develop their skills and share their talents in the community and the marketplace.
The Enterprise Connect program provides invaluable opportunities for companies to grow and develop.
Tear recommends the program for business owners who have established their business, but who want to take it to the next level.
Bearcage is at www.bearcage.com.au
