The UK’s creative industries have formed a federation to strengthen the sector and improve access and diversity.

More than 200 arts organisations and commercial creative companies have joined the Creative Industries Federation including Warner Bros, Aardman Animations, National Film and Television School, Tate, British Library, Design Museum, English National Ballet and Penguin.

Led by author and chair of the Turner Contemporary art gallery John Kampfner, it will focus on advocacy and also produce an annual report on the impact of public arts and creative industries at home and abroad.

In its first year the group aims to launch a digital research portal, hold a pre-election policy event, undertake a series of roadshows, and run a series of events and seminars.

In each of the nations and regions it will co-partner with organisations from the public arts, commercial creative companies and universities.

The federation is the brainchild of Sir John Sorrell, chair of the University of the Arts. Other founders include Sir Nicholas Serota, director of Tate, Caroline Rush of the British Fashion Council, Tim Davie of the BBC, Darren Henley of Classic FM, and Amanda Nevill of the British Film Institute.

Kampfner said: “Britain’s public arts and creative companies have far more in common than they realise. Both share a need to ensure vibrant communities and successful cultural education. We will encourage them to join forces in these endeavours.”

Sorrell added: “It is time for the UK’s creative industries to have a strong, independent membership body with a powerful voice. For too long they have found themselves under-represented in spite of their huge contribution.”

Wider registration is due to begin in December.

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/indies/uk-creative-industries-launch-federation/5080325.article