Creative New Zealand has announced a boost for creative industries in Christchurch, thanks to a new strategy and a range of associated initiatives. The Christchurch Creative Industries Strategy delivers a blueprint for cultural growth in the Christchurch region. Understanding the needs of the creative business owner is a key objective of the strategy, says Jenna-Lea Philpott, Creative Industries Project Leader for Canterbury Development Corporation. 'Creative people face a number of constraints when progressing their ideas, and many designs and concepts are lost,' she says. 'Assisting creative industries businesses to increase their capabilities, market share and export readiness through a range of initiatives is a key focus of Canterbury Development Corporation.' A creative industries website has been launched and will eventually feature a buy-and-sell exchange of creative industries equipment, materials and products. An online employment page and directory focused on Christchurch are also planned. Upcoming initiatives include a newsletter, network meetings and business training workshops, targeted to meet the needs of the creative industries business owner. 'Creative business owners identified a strong desire to be better connected to each other so these initiatives will be of immediate benefit and could even add value to other creative sector initiatives undertaken by the wider community,' says Philpott. The launch of the strategy in early March followed widespread consultation and research by Canterbury Development Corporation in conjunction with the Christchurch City Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee. For further information, visit www.creativeindustries.org.nz