Creative Sector

Human creativity generating economic value.

The lifestyle, landscape, creative community and lower business costs are just some of the factors that attract  creative people to Ireland’s western region.

• There are 4,779 creative businesses operating in the Western Region.
• The sector currently employs 11,000 people in the Region.
• There is potential to create a further 2,000 jobs in the West.
• The Creative Economy includes business areas such as architecture, art, crafts, design, film, software, music, performing arts, television, radio etc.
• Creative businesses in the Western Region tend to be small scale. 
• 39% are self-employed indicating a high level of entrepreneurship among creative people.

Improved infrastructure and online distribution methods have made even remote areas attractive locations for creative business. However improved infrastructure and communications are critical to developing the creative sector further in the region. Creative technology businesses in particular require large bandwidth.

A recently published WDC report, Creative West – the Creative Sector in the Western Region, shows that overall the Creative economy represents 3% of employment in the Western Region.

Source: PIMR and Regional Forecasts / Oxford Economics

The Creative West report presents a summary of the research findings as well as a detailed set of recommendations for developing the sector.

Download the report here (1.9Mb PDF)

Order a printed copy here

The Creative Economy includes business areas such as architecture, art, crafts, design, film, software, music, performing arts, television, radio etc. The West is well on its way to being established as a leading creative region.

Some companies here already

Leitrim Design House, Eo Teilifís, Bridget Beemster, Model Arts Centre Sligo, Magma Films Galway ,

All Points West Media Services, Podcasts,ie 

Made in Sligo