On these pages we'll post information of interest to anyone working with or within Coventry's creative industries.
Our definition of the creative industries follows the sub sectors identified by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) [https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0017/].
We recommend checking these pages regularly for updates and opportunities.
For items of interest and opportunities from further afield subscribe to the Arts, Culture & Heritage e-newsletter [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_291].
Coventry creative industries strategy 2026 to 2029: executive summary
This is a potentially transformational moment for Coventry's creative industries. With strengths in both creativity and technology, two strong universities and the creative legacy of UK City of Culture 2021, Coventry is well-placed to maximise the potential of its creative industries and secure significant investment to support this.
Coventry's creative industries represent a significant economic force that extends far beyond traditional creative boundaries. The city hosts 1,290 creative businesses comprising 13% of all local enterprises, directly employing 7,250 creative and cultural workers.
However, the sector's true impact is much larger, with approximately 14,500 workers, (9% of the city workforce) engaged in creative occupations, from designers at Jaguar Land Rover to creative marketing professionals in utility companies. When combined with Warwickshire, the sub-region boasts over 7,000 creative businesses and 80 game development studios, forming one of the UK's most significant creative clusters.
Our mapping work shows that Coventry has particular strengths in:
- Createch (encompassing all creative industries sub-sectors)
- IT, software and computer services (includes the games industry)
- Music, performing and visual arts
- Design
- Advertising and marketing, publishing
- Film, TV, video, radio and photography and other creative content creation
Coventry has developed a particular strength in createch, the fusion of creative skills and emerging technologies to create new products, services and experiences. This provides unique opportunities to combine the creative knowhow with innovation across other key sectors, from automotive to advanced manufacturing & healthcare.
This strategy sets out a practical plan to turn potential into progress, as well as makes the case for why Coventry’s Creative Industries should be supported by new investment at regional and national level.
It responds to national priorities outlined in the UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan and aligns with regional ambitions under the West Midlands Growth Plan. Our goal is simple: to make Coventry one of the most inclusive and innovative creative cities in the UK - where talent from all backgrounds can start, stay and succeed.
Coventry’s creative industries are a driver of economic growth, cultural identity, and technological innovation. They intersect with key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, future mobility, and health, creating spillover benefits for the wider economy. With targeted investment and collaboration, Coventry can lead nationally in createch, immersive technologies, and digital content.
Despite these strengths, the sector faces barriers with a 13.7% decline in creative businesses since 2017, fragmented business support, skills shortages and limited affordable workspace. There is also a need for stronger branding and integration with tourism and city development.
The strategy focuses on 5 delivery themes:
- Businesses, clusters and networks – Strengthening Coventry and Warwickshire Exchange (CWX) as a cluster body, expanding business support and securing further investment to provide targeted support to meet the needs of our creative industry businesses
- Skills and workforce development – Delivering targeted skills development opportunities including training, mentoring, and internships with a focus on diversity and graduate retention
- Places and spaces – Unlocking affordable creative workspaces and explore opportunities to open up existing specialist facilities.
- Tourism and branding – Position creative industries at the heart of Coventry’s visitor economy and storytelling
- Funding and policy – Aligning with regional and national strategies to secure public and private investment
Through this strategy we want to work collaboratively with all our stakeholders to ensure that Coventry will have a thriving, financially resilient creative sector, a highly skilled and diverse workforce, and a stronger creative city brand by 2029. Creative industries will contribute to economic growth, innovation, and placemaking, supported by robust partnerships and sustainable investment.
Together, we can unlock Coventry’s creative potential, attract new investment and ensure it plays a central role in shaping the future economy.
For further detail, read the full report [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8521/creative-industries-strategy-2026-to-2029].