A Creative Industries Discussion Paper is being released today by the Department for Innovation and Skills, with Minister David Pisoni saying the aim is to develop an “industry-led sector strategy” to be integrated into the SA Government’s Growth State plan.

“South Australia’s creative industries have been identified as a priority sector for the state over the next five to 10 years, based on the sector’s potential for growth,” the Minister said.

“We encourage all stakeholders in the creative industries to have their say on how to grow and strengthen the sector and help establish goals for where we want to be in 2030.”

The discussion paper acknowledges that there is no “consistent definition” of the creative industries, but proposes it include advertising, broadcasting, craft, design (architecture, fashion, graphic and web design), festivals, literature and publishing, music, performing arts, visual arts and photography, and screen production (TV, film, post-production, digital and visual effects, and game development).

Minister Pisoni said an estimated 19,500 people were employed across the sector in South Australia.

“We want to hear about issues like future workforce needs and how to develop them, which emerging technologies we need to harness, how start-ups, mentors, investors and government and markets can be more effectively connected, and how we can better use existing infrastructure to foster collaboration and innovation.

“The creative industries are crucial to building a dynamic economy that provides new job opportunities, fosters entrepreneurialism and strengthens the future of our state.”

The Creative Industries Discussion Paper lists a number of recent examples of achievements in the sector, including securing the filming of blockbuster action film Mortal Kombat in South Australia, the growth of the independent games industry and visual effects sectors, and the continuing impact of Adelaide’s major festivals. It also references the fact that Adelaide is a designated UNESCO City of Music and the birthplace of internationally recognised musicians such as Sia, the Hilltop Hoods, Tkay Maidza and Slava Grigoryan.

The release of the discussion paper follows the State Government’s launch last month of a five-year South Australian Arts and Culture Plan – the first such plan in almost two decades.

The Arts Plan, created following a review and extensive community consultation, set out six broad goals to promote the role of arts and culture in the state while also flagging possible funding changes for arts organisations. It attracted criticism from some quarters for acknowledging challenges facing the sector but failing to commit to government spending or support to address them.

Those interested in contributing to a sector strategy for the creative industries are invited to register their interest via email to [email protected] before November 30.