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Discovery research

Exploring a Cardiff–Bristol Creative Corridor

Exploring how closer collaboration between the creative economies of Cardiff and Bristol could support innovation, shared opportunity and environmental sustainability.

The Severn crossing spanning the estuary.
Illustrative photograph · Stewart Black / Flickr · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped for display

About the work

Media Cymru commissioned newydd|new to explore what a Cardiff–Bristol Creative Corridor could look like in practice. Building on earlier research, the project examined the ambition for the corridor, identified potential activities and explored how the work could be organised.

The challenge was to connect a long-term vision with practical next steps, while recognising the different strengths, communities and policy contexts of the two regions.

The approach

We brought together existing research, policy developments and examples of collaborative innovation to explore the choices facing the corridor.

The work considered how collaboration could connect creative businesses, freelancers, academics and other sectors. It also explored how the organisations supporting the creative economy could work together, with attention to environmental sustainability, participation and opportunities beyond the two cities.

This provided a basis for examining possible activities, approaches to community building and options for governance.

What the work produced

The report set out key design questions to help Media Cymru and its partners clarify the corridor’s purpose and priorities.

It developed proposals around emerging technology, energy and decarbonisation, and procurement-led innovation. It also explored opportunities for the music sector, principles for building communities across the two regions, and different approaches to governance.

Together, these gave the team a set of options and questions to inform further discussion with partners and the development of future programmes.

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