Value Of Cultural And Creative Industries Highlighted

The Minister of State for European Affairs has highlighted the economic value of Ireland's cultural and creative industries.

In Dublin this week, Minister Lucinda Creighton addressed leading experts in policy development and practice in culture and creative industries from across Europe.

The Conference, organised by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, debated and discussed the critical role that cultural and creative industries are playing in Europe.

Minister Creighton spoke about the Irish Presidency of the European Union in 2013 and the specific role that culture and creative industries can play during the Presidency.

She said: “We often think of our cultural industries as small-scale enterprises. This may be true of individual initiatives and projects, but combined, our cultural and creative industries, and the image of Ireland that these help to generate and project abroad, constitute a valuable asset which, nurtured and used wisely, will play a significant role in our economic recovery.”

“The 2013 EU Presidency presents an opportunity to define and develop policies that can have a positive impact for citizens cross the EU for years to come, including seeking ways of effectively supporting creativity and cultural innovation. The cultural and creative industries will play a major role in defining Ireland’s image abroad and demonstrating Ireland’s dynamism, innovation and creativity.”

(BMcN/GK)