This is the summary of a review of three city networks conducted by Ekos between January and March 2014. The review was commissioned by Creative Scotland in association with; Creative Dundee, Creative Edinburgh and Creative Stirling, the Creative City Networks.
The review intended to provide information on the impact of each network on its respective city, identifying potential for future development, and any lessons that might be adopted in other cities. Each network is independent, focussing on their own distinctive aims and objectives tailored to each of the three cities. Each has received funding support from Creative Scotland.
Although the networks differ in terms of characteristics such as size, objectives and focus, they each offer similar activities and are contributing positively to the creative and cultural profile within their respective cities. The networks have taken a bottom up approach to network delivery and creative support, responding to the needs of those within the industry.
This summary draws together the Ekos findings and offers some initial conclusions for further discussion. The conclusions are structured into three main areas, in line with the study objectives:
Ekos also offered comment on some of the wider lessons that might be drawn from the experience of these three projects.