Creative Industries Cluster Hubs is a multi-stakeholder project led by Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy. It works in partnership with local authorities across the Cardiff Capital Region to convene grassroots creative networks and activity.
The RCT Creative Industries Cluster Hub (CICH) is managed by RCT Council in partnership with University of South Wales Startup Stiwdio.
Find out more about the Creative Industries Cluster Hubs project.
CICH RCT’s focus is to build a bigger arts and creative industries cluster in RCT through networking and engagement events and targeted creative business and startup support. The project aims to increase collaboration and innovation between creatives, businesses and organisations.
Rhondda Cynon Taf has a rich creative heritage across diverse areas including music, dance and performance arts. Working with established venues in Pontypridd, Aberdare, Treorchy and more, the project aims to leverage the valleys’ creative energy, convening new networks and renewing creative links across the borough and wider region.
CICH RCT is open to any existing creative individuals or creative companies and to anyone considering working in the creative sector. It’s free to join and there is support to attend and participate in the dedicated training programmes being offered.
We aim to develop a Cluster wide database alongside marketing opportunities to tell the story of creativity in Rhondda Cynon Taf and devise a plan for future sector development.
Town centre regeneration plans are already in place (e.g., Aberdare and Porth). The creative sector will be critical in supporting local growth and regeneration. Piloting this cluster model in Pontypridd, Aberdare and other key locations could be the catalyst to sustained growth and job creation within RCT’s creative sector.
If you would like to register to join our CICH RCT programmes, join our Cluster networking events or express an interest in joining our free dedicated creative business support initiatives please complete our online registration form and our anonymous equality, diversity and inclusion form. Links below
CICH Events: Rhondda Cynon Taf
From September to December, CICH is delivering free events at key venues in and around RCT. These sessions are aimed at creative entrepreneurs, creative freelancers and companies:
If you’d to participate, please fill in this form and complete the Equality / Diversity survey. If you have any questions, please email stiwdio@southwales.ac.uk with the subject “CICH RCT.” We can stay in touch as the Creative Cluster develops.
Support for creative startups and new starts
Following the success of the Stiwdio at USW Treforest, we would like to invite new and prospective creative businesses to submit their proposal to the CICH Project. Please send your idea to the Stiwdio here and complete the Equality / Diversity survey. If you have any questions, please email stiwdio@southwales.ac.uk with the subject “CICH Newport.”
CICH is also offering eight weeks of Creative Entrepreneurship Training sessions during October and November 2023. These are free-to-attend and financial support (e.g., transport costs) is available to help you attend the sessions. There are sessions covering the following areas:
