The trade study outlines priorities and strategies to grow the creative sector, which accounts for nearly 20% of the state's total economic output
According to a report released by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the creative sector accounts for nearly 20% of Washington State's economy and contributes nearly $120 billion annually to the state's GDP. The report, prepared with support from the Creative Economy Strategic Work Group and prime contractor Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), provides a strategic path for the future growth of this important industry sector.
Read the full Creative Industries Strategy online. The study was commissioned by the 2021-22 state legislature
“This study confirms that Washington state is a global leader in creative sector jobs,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “Innovation is a key driver of our economy, and this sector enriches the arts and cultures of our communities as well as technological advances, from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to new methods of producing clean energy.”
Fong said the results of this study will help guide the future growth of Washington's creative industries, noting that the working group's findings are consistent with the state's commitment to ensuring that economic growth across the state is diverse, equitable and is integrative.
In its findings, the working group reported that the creative sector contributes $119.2 billion to the state's gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for 19.6% of Washington's total economic output.
The study was prepared by 34 actors in the creative industries with the participation of more than 400 industry representatives. It shows that the creative sector employed 383,001 workers in 2021, accounting for 9% of total employment. While most of the industry is located in urban centers, there are jobs in the creative industries in every corner of the state.
In defining a strategy for future growth, the study identified four priorities:
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Justice and access: Building a more inclusive, equitable and equitable creative economy in Washington.
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Infrastructure and investments: Leverage resources to build the capacity of creative industries to support their sustainability.
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Learning and skills: Enable the long-term growth of Washington's creative economy by investing in the future workforce.
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Industry and personnel development: Strengthen Washington's creative economy by investing in its most important resource – the creativity and talent of its people.
To support these goals, the working group identified 11 interrelated policy areas and made initial recommendations:
1.
Broadband: Expand broadband access.
2.
Housing: Develop creative home plans and live/work spaces for artists.
3.
Taxation: Reduction/reduction in trade tax for small creative businesses.
4.
Incentives: Increase funding and focus on incentives. Increasing the use of historic and new market tax credits.
5.
Licenses: Expand access to licenses; Introduce social justice programs for licenses.
6.
Zoning/Land Use: Use zoning to support affordable multifamily housing and storefronts/creative spaces.
7.
Public Development Authorities: Expand/increase the number of public development authorities.
8th.
Creative districts: Expand and incentivize creative district programs; invest in sports and entertainment districts; Consider the intersection with Opportunity Zones 4.
9.
Workforce committees: Enable creative companies to use Workforce Boards to meet industry skills and workforce needs.
10.
Apprenticeships/learning and earning: Establish state and federally funded creative training programs and other “learn and earn” opportunities.
11.
Grants and funding: Leverage Community Economic Revitalization Board grants and loans to build supportive infrastructure. In addition, stakeholders identified a number of barriers to the development of the creative industries.
“The Creative Industries Strategic Plan is important to me as a local entrepreneur because my voice has been heard. The thought and detailed actions to implement an inclusive plan is something that is the global leader in creative sector jobs in Washington State.” “We are paving the way for everyone else. This plan has outlined barriers to being inclusive, recognizing the imbalance of current structures, and redirecting equitable funding and support,” said working group member Mary Big Bull-Lewis, co-owner of Wenatchi Wear and R Digital Design and chair of the Indigenous Roots and Reparations Foundation in Wenatchee.
Creative technology accounted for the most jobs in the state (59%), including information and communications jobs. During the study period, the creative technology sector experienced exponential growth (130%), although some growth may be due to changing needs caused by the pandemic. Music, theater, dance and visual arts employed 50,474 people (13%). Fashion; film, television and radio; and cultural institutions made the three smallest positive growth contributions to employment in the creative industries.
Learn more about all of Washington's major industries on the trade website.
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