Businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to pledge their commitment to arts and culture by signing up to a new Creative Charter.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, the Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter connects businesses and other organisations to the power of cultural creativity.
HEY Creative has issued a rallying cry to leaders across the private, public and third sectors to support the region’s vital arts and culture by signing the Charter.
A catalyst for innovation
The Creative Charter was officially launched by HEY Creative Chief Officer, Max May, at the Humber Business Week lunch. Addressing regional leaders, he announced several leading businesses and organisations had become Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter and urged others to follow their lead:
“We passionately believe in the power of arts and culture to unite people from all corners of our region, driving growth, sparking ideas and innovation and promoting wellbeing. The arts sector delivers so much for our region, but it can’t do it all on its own. That’s why we’ve launched the Creative Charter, to encourage businesses and organisations to support and advocate for culture.
“Collaborating with the creative sector can spark fresh ideas which unlock growth opportunities and change the way companies approach challenges. We’re fortunate to have a rich and varied cultural scene across the region and the Creative Charter opens up opportunities for businesses and other organisations to tap into it.”
Max May’s call for the region to come together behind the Creative Charter will be echoed by broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth when he hosts The Business Day, the finale of Business Week.
The four pledges
There is no cost or direct financial commitment required to join the Creative Charter. It is simply a declaration to collaborate with the arts sector for collective good. Signatories are asked to make four pledges:
- Unite: to connect with arts and culture organisations and freelancers to drive regional success.
- Advocate: Use your voice to shout about the impact and importance of the creative sector.
- Grow: Help the arts sector thrive by utilising creative organisations and supporting them where possible.
- Include: Work together to create a fairer and more inclusive future for everyone in the region.
Signatories can work with arts and cultural groups in a wide variety of ways, from simple acts like displaying local artwork on office walls to celebrating culture on their social media channels.
Other suggested actions include hosting a business breakfast to connect with arts and culture, donating staff time to support events, sponsoring activities and offering spare training course spaces to creatives free of charge.
Leading the way:
Several organisations have already committed as Founding Signatories, including Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the University of Hull, Hull College, Future Humber, For Entrepreneurs Only, the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, HullBID, Rollits LLP, The Deep and Hull Truck Theatre.
Dominic Gibbons, Chair of HEY Creative and Managing Director of Wykeland Group, another of the Founding Signatories of the Charter, said: “Together, through the power of arts and culture, we can unleash valuable potential for individuals, communities, businesses and the wider region.
“Arts and culture make us happier, healthier people. It brings our communities together, attracts and retains talent for business, and generates upwards of £35m a year for the region.
“We’re asking businesses and organisations, through the Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter, to join us in championing our region’s incredible arts and culture, for the benefit of everyone.”
Join the movement:
Business of all sizes are invited to join the 100+ signatories already championing our region. Sign the pledge here.