The WDC has championed the Creative Economy (CE) in the West of Ireland since the mid-2000s. A vibrant CE leverages the region’s unique cultural assets to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and quality of life.
Globally, the creative sector is a pillar of the modern knowledge economy. According to UNCTAD, global trade in creative goods and services has consistently outpaced other sectors, more than doubling in value over the last decade.
Total Value: €792M
Total Sales: €486M
Total Exports: €87M
Employment Growth: +11.7%
Industry Composition: 4,884 Businesses (384 Craft, 1,769 Cultural, 2,730 Creative Industries)
The creative sector comprises industries centered on the production and distribution of original goods and services. It includes 12 sub-segments—ranging from architecture and design to software development—broadly categorized into three pillars: Craft, Culture, and Creative.
The WDC provides leadership and strategic investment to establish the West as a globally recognized creative hub. Key initiatives include:
Landing Studio at CREW: A 2026 pilot in Galway providing creative firms with AI expertise and infrastructure to develop immersive technology.
The N-LITE Project: A €1.5M EU initiative merging Literary Tourism with immersive tech to grow the digital presence of regional SMEs.
WRAP Fund: Over €2M in support for the regional Film & AV production sector.
Creative Industries Hub: €2.7M REDF funding for dedicated sector infrastructure.
SME Support: €4.4M in EU projects delivering regional platforms and micro-loan facilities for creative entrepreneurs.
Spot-Lit: A program dedicated to establishing a Regional Literary Tourism sector.
Since our first Creative West report in 2008, the sector has shown remarkable resilience. Regional CE value grew from €534M to €729M by 2017, with direct employment increasing by 11.7%, replicating a global trend of growth despite broader financial downturns. Through direct support, the WDC has engaged with nearly 400 creative SMEs to secure jobs and develop new products.
Under our 2025–2029 Strategy, the Creative Economy is identified as a primary “Horizons” growth driver to build globally competitive sectors. Our roadmap includes:
Targeted Investment: Deploying €3 million in capital specifically for creative enterprises to foster lasting economic resilience.
Economic Multiplier: Prioritizing film, digital media, arts, design, and culture as catalysts for regional vitality.
Innovation & Tech: Leveraging AI readiness, digital transformation, and the Connected Hubs network to scale innovation-driven creative businesses.
Inclusive Growth: Enhancing resources and workshops to empower a diverse range of creative entrepreneurs across the West and Northwest.
Regional Development Executive
Head of Regional Development
EU Projects Development Executive