This project, run by the Creative Economies Lab at the University of the West of England, began with a survey of UK creative microbusinesses (CMBs) and, based on the survey findings and on previous research, is currently developing a free online Resilience Toolkit to help creative microbusinesses build resilience and aid in the creative sector’s recovery from the Covid 19 crisis.
Previous research shows that many CMBs have remained productive or become more successful during the pandemic, and a number of characteristics have been identified among these organisations. Building on these characteristics, with input from a cohort of CMBs across the UK, the Resilience Toolkit will provide a diagnostic tool for businesses to use to improve their ability to withstand difficult times.
As one of the project partners, Creative Cardiff has recruited a cohort of creative microbusinesses in our region to participate in paid virtual focus groups and an in-person regional workshop. Participants will test the Resilience Toolkit and shape it to suit their needs, feeding in their experiences and requirements. It will be tested using a randomised controlled trial and the revised toolkit will be made available online, to support CMBs and aid the recovery and rebuilding of the creative sector across the UK. Participation enables networking with other creative microbusinesses in the region.
Other project partners include the British Council, Kaleider studios in Exeter, the Watershed creative technology centre in Bristol, MadLab innovation organisation in Manchester, Baltic Creative in Liverpool, Croydon Enterprise Zone, Future Screens NI in Belfast, and Haringey Council.
Read more:
Unpacking the implications of a sector in transition as a result of covid-19.
