The crucial impact of the creative economy in Tayside was discussed by leading industry experts at an exclusive Courier event on Tuesday.
T in the Park boss and chief executive of DF Concerts Geoff Ellis delivered the keynote address, where he discussed the value of music and live events.
More than 150 people attended the morning meeting at The Big Real at Water’s Edge, which was opened with a speech from games entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl.
Guests were treated to a fly-through of Dundee’s waterfront in the style of Minecraft on a ground-breaking piece of technology which anchors the space.
Mr van der Kuyl showcased footage from 4J Studios’ upcoming epic Reforj, which is set to revolutionise the sandbox genre videogame world currently under development in the city.
A panel discussion, chaired by Courier editor David Clegg, explored the role creative industries play in the city’s continuing evolution, and how to monetise them.
Taking part in the chat was Taylor Swift’s favourite Perthshire designer, fashion boss Jade Robertson, the man behind Dundee’s newest venue LiveHouse Angus Robb, Creative Dundee director Gillian Easson and DC Thomson deputy CEO Ella Dolphin.
The Courier Business Conference was once again held in partnership with Henderson Loggie.
Geoff Ellis at Courier Business Conference
Mr Ellis told the conference about his efforts making T in the Park one of the biggest festivals in the UK, which had its best years at Balado in Kinross, before two final years in Perthshire at Strathallan Castle.
He also talked about his time in the fledging years of DF Concerts, which was founded in Dundee in the 1980s.
Geoff also discussed the massive increase in participation at concerts and festivals across Scotland.
Tickets sell out faster than ever with high demand and prices.
Mr Ellis explained how a more inclusive society was part responsible for that growth, as well as people feeling more welcome at gigs and concerts.
“What I’ve seen over the last two or three years, is growth in a new sector of people who didn’t used to come to concerts before,” he said.
“A lot of that has been the LGBTQI+ market. And a lot of that is people who might have traditionally felt like outsiders in the past for big concerts. People who thought concerts were maybe for a more rowdy crowd. People who might have felt disaffected and that they were not included.
“We have also had lots of artists like Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Harry Styles, who are in their nature very inclusive. And they appeal to a wide audience and the success of those artists has really opened up a whole new market. And I think that’s great.
“That growth has been significant and really good to see. And venues have got better, we’ve all gotten better at inclusivity, we have a zero tolerance approach to prejudice and all of that makes a difference. It makes venues and festivals more welcoming to go to.
“And we have fans there, to see these artists, who ten years ago might not have gone to concerts.”
Shining a light on Dundee’s creative power
Partner and head of tax Kimberley Thomson, said Henderson Loggie was once again delighted to team-up with The Courier to shine a light on such a transformative sector for the local community.
She said: “Dundee hides its light under a bushel a little bit. And I think we can support our fantastic creative industries by showcasing all the great things that are going on and connecting them.
“We need to champion our creative industries more, in order to make Dundee really grow and thrive.
“There’s so many people, with so many creative ideas, and so much good stuff going on that they championing, and I don’t think we talk about it enough.
“Having someone or something to coordinate and really drive that focus, and the brand of Dundee, will take us to the next level.”
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