Publicly Funded Buildings as Spaces for Young People. 

Creative industries already account for 14% of the UK economy, and that figure is growing.  These industries like broadcasting, music and advertising are even more important in cities like Cardiff.

The Licensing Act 2003 and other recent developments provide a good opportunity to promote creativity, and at the same time tackle issues like youth annoyance.

The Act contains a recommendation that local councils should licence their own property, for the performance of live music.

This provides a new chance for councils and the music industry to provide creative  projects for youngsters.

One such project has already been set up in North Wales. The local authority provided a couple of rooms in a council building, the music industry provided all the necessary equipment, amplifiers, instruments etc and the Welsh Assembly Government provided a little working capital.

The scheme has proved to be incredibly successful, for example, between May and August 2006, 723 young people used the facility, 75% of who were under the age of 18. The local Council have been so delighted with the outcome that they are now putting plans together to extend the facilities with the addition of a recording studio and a dance studio.  Similar projects have existed in Cardiff for some time but we need more of the same.

Other local authorities across the UK are now beginning to develop their own projects.

With access to publicly funded buildings like schools, as rehearsal and or performance spaces for young musicians and performers.

This neatly overlaps with the Government’s recognition of the importance of the creative economy. The idea of publicly funded spaces providing opportunity for young artists and musicians is a very powerful one.

It ties in nicely with a recent announcement by the Treasury of accessing unused funds to help pay for more youth provision.

Could this be turning into a really good example of joined up government?  The creative industries are growing in importance.  We need to provide youth facilities to help tackle the causes of crime.  The Licensing Act encourages more live music opportunities, these kinds of facilities are very popular with youngsters, and new money will be coming on stream.

I hope that Cardiff Council and the Welsh Assembly will embrace this opportunity for a creative revolution.