ABOUT a 170 people attended the Creative Industries Forum held at the Slim Dusty Centre
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Attendees were guided through things like what makes a successful business, getting started, promoting the business, understanding social media and having a business plan.
The event was organised by Enterprise & Training Company Ltd (ETC) with the support of Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Bellingen councils.
The day included presentations from a range of industry experts including Russell Way and Helen Rosanove from Art Tank, Monica Davidson from Creative Plus Business and one of Australia’s most successful sellers on Etsy, Cath Young, the owner of My Bearded Pigeon who is based in Bellingen.
There was also entertainment from Teaki Hoops and Drumming Sheilas as well as plenty of art on display by artists from the Mid North Coast.
Data from the 2011 census showed that Australia’s creative industries employment had grown to 531,000 people - 5.3% of the working population. This growth was 40% faster than the economy as a whole. This rate of growth confirms that the creative industries sector is a force to be reckoned with.
- Monica Davidson, Creative Plus Business
ETC’s business advisor Marilyn Breen, who is based in Kempsey said the turnout to the inaugural forum was better than expected.
“Kempsey is the actual centre of the Mid North Coast so we thought ‘what better place to have it then here’?,” she said.
“It’s a way to put Kempsey and the Slim Dusty Centre on the map. I think we’re (Kempsey) ready - we have markets across the region and festivals coming up later on in the year and this fantastic centre.
“We are thrilled with the response to the forum we were hoping for anywhere between 100 to 150 people so to get more than that is great.”
Ms Breen said the forum was all about providing creative people with the appropriate industry information and guidance to help them run their business well or to help them get started.
“The information here and the experts - you can’t access all of that normally so it’s a great opportunity for people,” she said.
“There are many artists who have come today who already have a business and want to learn more and others who are looking to open up a business and need a bit of guidance.
“Overall I think the enthusiasm from the artists, speakers and guests just shows that there was a real need to come together.
“The Mid North Coast is quickly becoming known as a creative region. It’s attracts people to move here for the lifestyle and with that comes a lot of creative talent.”
Ms Breen said due to the success of the forum it is hoped that another will be held in the near future.
