St. Ann’s, Cape Breton Island – Cape Breton – Unama’ki has always been synonymous with culture and creativity, a sector that continues to grow across the country. To foster that growth here at home, the Cape Breton Partnership hosted a two-day Creative Economy Leaders Workshop last week at the Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College in St. Ann’s.

“We have a vibrant community of artists and creative organizations that thrive in part because creative practices have always been a part of our culture on the Island,” says Carla Arsenault, Cape Breton Partnership President & CEO. “The creative sector plays a significant role in our daily lives in Cape Breton – Unama’ki, and is a significant economic driver. We are home to thousands of talented artisans, musicians, actors, writers, and creators. Our Island is a global leader in the creative economy and we are well positioned to contribute and flourish in this sector even further.”  

Last week’s Creative Economy Leaders Workshop saw 30 minds from the Island’s creative sector come together to assess the current creative sector plans: the Cape Breton Island Culture Sector Strategy and Cape Breton Regional Municipality Creative Economy Growth Plan. Musicians, artisans, visual artists, designers, filmmakers, and those involved in theatre and heritage developed an inventory of the Island’s current and upcoming creative assets, identified strengths and opportunities, and discussed collaborative projects that will sustain Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s creative economy growth into the future.

“I’m energized by the potential opportunities for culture and the arts in Cape Breton Island,” says the Honourable Rodney MacDonald, CEO of Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College. “During the two-day conference lots of great discussions, learning and emotions were shared. We all agree that now is the time for action – action that continues to celebrate what already exists in our vibrant culture sector and hopefully leads to more supports for artists across the island.” In 2019, the Cape Breton Partnership created a new position, the Creative Economy Development Officer, responsible for supporting and growing initiatives in the creative sector across the island. Hosting the Creative Economy Leaders Workshop is one of many projects undertaken, with additional workshops to come. For more information, contact Creative Economy Development Officer Erin Flynn at erin@capebretonpartnership.com or 902-562-0122.

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Media Contact:  
Megan Tonet
Cape Breton Partnership
megan@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 562-0122