Is Cardiff a creative world leader?

Cardiff is a key driver for the creative industries in Wales but how does it compete with creative hubs across the UK and make an impact on the wider world?

Find out the views of sector leaders at the Cardiff University School of Journalism, Media and Culture annual media debate at the National Eisteddfod.

The panel features BBC Cymru Wales Director Rhodri Talfan Davies, Cardiff Council Leader Councillor Huw Thomas, Nia Thomas, Chief Executive of independent production company Boom Cymru, and S4C Chief Executive Owen Evans. It will be chaired by BBC Cymru Wales journalist and broadcaster Bethan Rhys Roberts.

The media debate, now a popular fixture in the National Eisteddfod programme, takes place on Tuesday 7 August 2018 in the Cardiff University tent.
Cardiff has enjoyed significant growth in the creative sector powered by film, TV, animation, video games and post-production activities.

Some of the country’s most popular programmes are made here, while BBC Cymru Wales is building a new headquarters in the centre of the city.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director BBC Cymru Wales, said: “It’s an extraordinary time for the creative industries across Wales - and there’s no doubt Cardiff is at the heart of that success.

“A vibrant network of broadcasters, production companies, freelancers, universities and facility companies has made the capital a real creative magnet which has grown significantly over the last decade and this shows no sign of abating.

“In just over 12 months, the BBC’s teams will start moving to Central Square in the city centre - creating the most technically advanced broadcast centre in Europe and a focal point of the nation’s creative industries.

“It will also be the most open and accessible BBC building in the UK - a ‘home from home’ for a wide range of our partners in the creative sector.  

“Collaboration is at the heart of the city’s success, and I’m delighted to be taking part in this panel session alongside some of our key partners, including S4C, Cardiff Council and Boom Cymru.”

Cardiff is also on the shortlist to host a new creative hub for Channel 4 following a bid led by Cardiff Council.

Councillor Thomas said: “Cardiff has a strong independent scene, and with more than 70,000 university students, the creative potential of the city is vast.

“When C4 came to visit the city after we were shortlisted, we had the opportunity to show them how we are bringing together custom-designed properties to support the creative sector, all built around a new central transport hub able to connect the channel to talent here and further afield.

“Cardiff forms part of the largest cluster of independent production companies outside London. It is a city seeing remarkable growth and change, and a city which – thanks to the significant role Butetown has played in shaping our inclusive values – can be argued to be the cradle of diversity in the UK.

“Alongside that we have a city government eager to support the creative sector and a talented workforce that is amongst the youngest and most highly-skilled in the UK.”

Media debate organiser Manon Edwards Ahir, of the School of Journalism, Media and Culture, said: “It’s undoubtedly the case that Cardiff’s influence is growing significantly across a creative sector of increasing economic and cultural significance.

“Cardiff has succeeded in establishing a strong reputation in the sector at home, but is it making the most of international markets? And are the benefits of this creative growth being felt elsewhere in Wales?

“Our expert panel of sector leaders in Wales will offer real insight into the enormous potential of the industry and how Cardiff can exploit the opportunities available.”

Eisteddfod visitors are invited to come along to hear the views of our panel and put questions to them.

This year’s Eisteddfod takes place in Cardiff from 3-11 August.