Creative Industries, the Commonwealth and Entrepreneurs: resilience and opportunities for all

With one in three people on the planet from the Commonwealth, 60% of its people under the age of 30, home to half of the top 20 global emerging cities and adding middle class consumers faster than any other global grouping, the Commonwealth has strong if untapped opportunities for greater collaboration and support for its creative industries. Whether in music, performing and visual arts; film, TV, video, radio and photography; or architecture, crafts and design the creative talent from entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth is world-leading and resilient.

The Creative economy can play a key role in supporting trade and productive capacities in developing countries, decent job creation, competitiveness, and innovation, and in encouraging the formalisation and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, the impact of digital technologies and the continued rise of creative industries are combining to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is essential that developing countries are enabled to become part of this digital-creative industries revolution.

This panel highlights the power and potential of Creative Industries in the Commonwealth by focussing on music, the shifts in digital connectivity given fresh impetus during the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent report from Bloomsbury Institute on Brexit, Commonwealth and the Creative Industries. It includes a discussion of innovation in action highlighted by the first International Online Composition Academy from the Purcell School (whose Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales) and the Commonwealth International Composition Award). It closes with Consonance, a performance by Commonwealth Young Musicians, a celebration of the Commonwealth which was specially commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat and had its world premiere in November. STOP PRESS.....TOPOWA! - Never Give Up from Brass for Africa (also on the panel) has just won the Best Music Documentary Feature in the world-leading Raindance Independent Film Awards 2020.

• Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, UK High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda, and founder of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra, Karen-Mae Hill - tbc
• Alison Cox OBE, Founder and Co-Director, The Commonwealth Resounds! and Head of Composition, The Purcell School, UK
• Andrea Berbegal, Director of Development, Brass for Africa
• Dr. Nnamdi Madichie, Bloomsbury Institute London
• Universal Music - tbc

Event convened by the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN) and The Commonwealth Resounds!