Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, has called on the Government to do all it can to support the creative industries in Cornwall in a debate in Parliament this week.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on supporting for UK artists and culture on Tuesday, Cherilyn raised the achievements of local creative organisations such as Falmouth University, The Hall for Cornwall and the Old Bakery Studios in Truro.
Cherilyn praised the Government for providing £2billion of support for the creative industries during the pandemic and a £50m investment package for creative businesses earlier this year. However, she argued that Cornwall’s low-wage seasonal economy, lack of affordable housing and skills shortage among young people are holding the creative industries back.
Cherilyn said:
“Cornwall’s creative achievements are the result of planning and hard work in recent times by a lot of local people and organisations, who have worked together to help Cornwall’s creative rural economy grow.
“A brilliant local example is Falmouth University, which is now leading the charge to change the way in which creative education is delivered. It is central to Falmouth’s role as a major creative innovation hub, and its teaching facilities are second to none.
“We must also continue to support our local and home-grown assets in Cornwall, such as the Hall for Cornwall in Truro. There is also the Old Bakery Studios in Truro, which offers more than 50 studios and workspaces to artists of all types.
“Despite everything that we have going for us in Cornwall, our social and economic context remains a challenge. If we can tackle those challenges, celebrate our creatives and artists, and target investment into our region, Cornwall can continue to play a central role in helping the UK become a world leader in these sectors.
“I look forward to continuing work with the Government to support this cause, and I would be delighted to welcome the Minister to Cornwall to see at first hand the exciting work that is going on.”