Making It Happen: Delivering the South-Central Screen Industries Strategy

Making It Happen: An opportunity to meet FilmFixer, who have been appointed to establish Solent & South Hampshire’s Regional Film Office Date: 26 September 2025Location: Fareham College, Bishopsfield Road, Fareham, PO14 1NH The establishment of a new regional film office … Read More

Narrating Creative Regions: Strengthening the Creative Economy through Collaboration

The Narrating Creative Regions symposium, held on 17th January 2025 at Southampton Solent University, brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and local government to explore pathways for strengthening the creative and cultural economy. Organised by Creative Network South, the … Read More

Creative Network South supports an audit of the South Central’s Games Industry

Mapping the Games Industry in the Solent Region dives deep into the state of the industry, uncovering key insights about the games sector.

A New Vision for the Region’s Screen Sector

We are delighted to announce the release of the Film Office Feasibility Study, commissioned by Creative Network South in partnership with local councils, universities and industry stakeholders. This comprehensive report outlines a transformative vision for the Solent region as a … Read More

Networks of Practice – Understanding and developing creative communities, connectivity, and capacities

A summary of a presentation given at the Networks of Practice symposium at Solent University on Friday 19th January 2024 – Prof. Daniel Ashton, Dr. Aiysha Jahan & Prof. Will May (Southampton University), Diversifying Capacities: Understanding and developing creative communities, connectivity, and capacities

Networks of Practice – Understanding networks, ecosystems and creative careers

A a summary of a presentation given at the Networks of Practice symposium at Solent University on Friday 19th January 2024 – Prof. Roberta Comunian (Kings College London), Understanding networks, ecosystems and creative careers: complexity, scales and lifecycle.

Networks of Practice – The Immersive Experience Network a Collaborative Creative Community

A summary of a presentation given at the Networks of Practice symposium at Solent University on Friday 19th January 2024 – Dr. Joanna Bucknall (Birmingham University), The Immersive Experience Network, (IEN): an empirically responsible, dialogical approach to Building a Collaborative Creative Community

Networks of Practice – Deep into the Province with Marco, Meso, Micro Research into Dutch cultural and creative professionals

A presentation given at the Networks of Practice symposium at Solent University on Friday 19th January 2024 – Djamila Boulil, Dr. Quirijn van den Hoogen, Dr. Pauline Maartje Bezemer & Associate Professor Sara Malou Strandvad (University of Groningen), Deep into the Province: Macro, meso and micro research into the (rural) Dutch cultural and creative professionals.

Networks of Practice – The role of space in networks of practice in a mid-sized city

A presentation given at the Networks of Practice symposium at Solent University on Friday 19th January 2024 – Dr. Carol Ekinsmyth (University of Portsmouth), The role of space in networks of practice in a mid-sized city: Artists experiences in Portsmouth.

Strengthening HEI Integration in Cultural and Creative Sectors: A Strategic Guide for Academics, Policymakers, and Sector Researchers

The relationship between HEIs and the cultural and creative sectors holds significant potential for innovation, growth, and social cohesion.

Networks of Practice: creative & cultural sector development for the Solent region half-day symposium at Solent University

The creative & cultural sectors are vital engines of economic, social, and cultural development, so how do we embed them in policy?

Crafting Connections: The Diverse Capacities Project’s Vision for the Solent’s Creative Future

The Diverse Capacities Project is here to change how we think about, connect, and empower our creative communities.

Geographies of Creativity and Central South’s Creative Landscape

The PEC “Geographies of Creativity” report suggests there is an opportunity for the central south to cultivate a thriving creative cluster.

Insights from the Immersive Experience Network offer fresh perspectives on the Solent Region’s Creative Scene

The Immersive Experience Network (IEN) offers a blueprint for transforming the Solent region’s creative and cultural landscape.

Charting a New Course for Creative and Cultural Industries in Rural Areas: Insights from the Dutch Experience

The “Networks of Practice” symposium panel from the University of Groningen could revolutionise approaches to the rural cultural economy.

Insights from Key Reports on the Future of Solent’s Cultural and Creative Economy

Two pivotal reports by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and the Screen Sectors Skills Task Force – lay out a roadmap for a vibrant future.

Networks of Practice: value exchange and field configuration in the creative and cultural economy

An invitation to explore how a Networks of Practice approach can enhance our understanding of the social and cultural value.

Unlocking the Potential of Local Filmmaking: A Recap of Kelly Mikulla’s Sussex Film Office Presentation

FAME Pro, Sussex Film Office and Worcestershire Film Office MD Kelly Mikulla sharied the story of how Sussex Film Office came to be.

The Surrey Film Office: A Catalyst for Regional Growth and Filmmaking Excellence

Surrey Film Office has been instrumental in streamlining the filming process in the region and is a catalyst for growth.

The Future of the UK’s Screen Industries: A Recap of Hayley Armstrong’s Filming in England Presentation

Hayley Armstrong gave a presentation on the future prospects of the UK’s screen industries at our Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting.

Creative Network South: Championing the Growth of the Screen Industries

The Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting marked a significant step forward in the ambition to support the screen sector. 

Networks of Practice Creative Industries Symposium – to be hosted at Solent University

CfP – Networks of Practice: value exchange and field configuration in the Creative and Cultural Economy

Save the date: Moving On – the 2nd Solent Screen Industries Cluster Meeting

Screen Industry Cluster Meeting for the Solent Region, which is scheduled for Friday 22 September 10am to  1.15pm at Fareham College, South Hampshire.

Calling all businesses in the creative sector

As part of our support for the Southampton UK City of Culture 2025 bid we are inviting all those working in the creative industries in the Solent region to an event on Wednesday 9 March which champions the sector in all its forms.   The … Read More

The Impact of Covid 19 on the Creative Industries

The Creative Industry Foundation has published a report on the impact of Covid 19 on the Creative Industries.

Creative Success Hampshire’s Hidden Secret

Neurodiversity in the Creative Industries

Opportunity for Artist to Join the Hotwalls Studios.

We have an exciting new opportunity for the right artist, creative or maker to join the Hotwalls Studios. If you are looking to take the next steps in developing your work as a professional artist then the studios may be … Read More

New programme to help more than 2 million teenagers discover their creative futures

Our world-leading creative industries contribute more than £100 billion annually to our economy – that’s more than the automotive, life sciences, aerospace, and the oil and gas industries combined. Put simply – our creative industries are fundamental to the health … Read More

Connected Growth & Public Investment Public Gain

DCMS Arts Council England and the Creative Industry Federation have published new guidance to inform the development of Local Industrial Strategies . Connected Growth forms one element of DCMS guidance to LEPS on how the Digital Culture Media and Sport … Read More

Southampton Councillor supports city wide art event

Southampton Councillor Satvir Kaur has lent her support to a community event that will celebrate art and inspire visitors across the city. The Day of Art is a collection of free events taking place in venues across Southampton on Saturday … Read More

#DVMISSION19 celebrating Portsmouth’s creative potential through filmmaking

DVMISSION is a film festival with a difference, in that all the films screened at the gala night have been produced over 48 hours during the preceding weekend. What happens is that at 5pm on a Friday night, participating teams … Read More

Collaborative Culture: the challenges for cultural partnerships in the central south – Southern Centre For Policy Report

Our area has a rich arts and cultural offer, with a wide variety of organisations and strong levels of public engagement.  Our report, undertaken on behalf of Arts Council England and with support from the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), … Read More

Creative Portsmouth collaborative event

Portsmouth has over 500 creative businesses and a collaboration event is planned for Thursday 31st January 2019 at Portsmouth Guildhall to celebrate the success of this industry as well as debate the challenges for the future to support the city’s … Read More

Delivering Apprenticeships fit for the digital age

Havant & South Downs College has worked with employers to create a brand-new apprenticeship for the creative and digital sector. The Junior Content Producer standard is for those working in creative design, web development, social media, film editing and marketing. … Read More

Making Money From Music

FILM EXPO SOUTH are back with their next seminars ‘MAKING MONEY FROM MUSIC’ Saturday 29th September 2018 The Stage Door in Southampton The event is for film producers, composers, filmmakers, musicians, financiers, managers and agents and is all about raising, … Read More

Making Money From Music 29th Sept

Book Here

May 2018 – IncuHive

IncuHive specialises in growing fun, quirky, successful, creative  businesses. IncuHive is a rapidly expanding business incubation service which puts an emphasis on fun. The Chandler’s Ford Incubator, which specialises in supporting tech, digital and creative businesses, recently celebrated its third birthday.Owner Steven Northam describes IncuHive as primarily being … Read More

April 2018 – Creative Growth Southampton

Establishing a new business is exciting and challenging. In fields such as film, animation, music, indie games design, graphic design, web development or app design it is also a good way to build a career. Around 40% of creative graduates … Read More

March 2018 – Women in Digital Business

Free business growth programme offered to female entrepreneurs A fully-funded business growth programme aimed at supporting women in business is about to launch in the region. Free places will be offered to 100 female entrepreneurs who have been in business … Read More

February 2018

Creative Network South declaration The success of the Solent’s creative economy is one of the area’s greatest hidden secrets. A recent NESTA study identified both Southampton and Portsmouth as being in the top 15 locations for creative industry employment growth. The creative industries are the fastest growing business sector … Read More

November 2017

Creative Growth Southampton launch 3pm – 5pm 25th January Spark Building Southampton Solent University The creative industries are the fastest growing business sector in the Solent economy. Southampton has been identified as being one of the top 15 locations for creative employment growth in the UK. The sector includes: Advertising, Architecture, Craft, Design, … Read More

October 2017

Making craft work Situated in a bespoke studio space at Making Space, in the heart of Leigh Park, is gilder, Richard Walker. His clients wonder if he is an illusionist as he expertly creates the impression of solid forms by coating the surfaces of different objects with an ultra-thin … Read More

August 2017

The Creative Expo South Creative Expo South is coming to Hampshire on 21 March 2018. Havant and South Downs College, 10am – 4pm The creative industries in the UK are thriving, contributing over £84 billion to the economy every year, and providing jobs for 1.8 million … Read More

June 2017

Flow Observatorium: Neurodivergence, creativity and employment Neurodivergence is a new term describing people who experience the world differently and whose ‘brain wiring’ diverges significantly from the prevailing societal standard of ‘normal.’ Autism and dyslexia are examples of innate neurodivergence; both have a fundamental impact on the way neurodivergent people … Read More

May 2017

The contribution of the creative industries to Winchester’s economy and to the life of the city The creative industries represent an important sector for Winchester which not only makes a significant contribution to the city’s economy, but also to its reputation as a centre for contemporary culture … Read More

April 2017

Digital creative industries working with museums Towns, cities and regions that offer a cultural mix are better able to compete not just for tourism visits but also for talent and inward investment. Vibrant places attract creative innovative people to live, work, study. These … Read More

March 2017

Need something special for your next launch? Then look no further than New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. Since New Theatre Royal re-opened in 2015 it has quickly gained a reputation for creating unique productions to showcase its corporate partners. Having enjoyed a successful partnership with the theatre for several … Read More

February 2017

Industrial Strategy Consultation With the Government having recently announced its Industrial Strategy consultation – and the creative and cultural sector one of five key sectors outlined within this – this is a timely moment to highlight a new programme in the Hampshire and Solent area designed to address employment … Read More

January 2017

Introducing Portsmouth’s first public Makerspace The Maker’s Guild started as a collaborative piece of University research on creating a Makerspace in the city of Portsmouth. This has developed into a business that looks to provide a space to inspire the … Read More