Culture Creative Industries There are 74 spoken languages in the borough including Gujarati, Punjabi, Japanese, Malay, Finnish and Yoruba. BME population in Blackburn with Darwen is 31% compared to a national average of 15% and a North West average of 10% Creative employment grew at twice the national average, and investment in creative industry interventions generates footfall and income for the visitor economy.

Providing an alternative offer Using what we have – empty shops, alternative venues (museum, St John’s, Blakey’s), an enthused student population Facilitating events, activities, workshops Adding creative value to existing town centre events Kick-starting creative-led activity to enhance regeneration projects – Urban Room

By Skill & Hard Work – promotes local talent across the region Issue 6 is going to print.

Demand for more creative business space Move to facilitate events rather than deliver Creative Collective to take over St Johns Creative Hive network to grow next year

www.festivalofmaking.co.uk