Smales Lecture: the future of Cornwall’s Creative Economy

The Paul Smales lecture is the Poly's annual lecture focusing on a Cornish theme, and commemorating a man who made a great contribution to many Cornish institutions, and was a dedicated supporter of the Poly. Join us from 6:30pm for a drinks reception to network and connect with others in the industry.

The evening will focus on the future of Cornwall's creative sector, which currently makes up over 10% of Cornish employment and economic activity. Creative endeavours in Cornwall are not just limited to artists, Falmouth University and the growing screen industry - the software and tech sectors are also booming, with the Camborne corridor being now recognised as one of the fastest growing creative hubs in the country. Beyond the creative industries, there are the creatives who work in other industries helping to drive innovation and creativity in the wider economy.

Kim Conchie, Chief Executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, will lead the evening with a talk on 'The Impact of Cornwall's Creative Businesses', outlining the impact the sector has on tourism, academia, the environment and our future. 

A panel, chaired by Rebecca Heane, co-founder of Cream Cornwall, will then take up the debate:

• Henrietta Boex is the Director of Falmouth Art Gallery and Director of Cultural Services for Falmouth Town Council.

• Philippa Giles is Managing Director of Bandit Television and a BAFTA and Emmy award winning Executive Producer (Luther, Rillington Place, Oranges are not the Only Fruit, Silent Witness, Our Mutual Friend, North and South, Emma, Jane Eyre and Delicious, the recent Cornish-based series which was shown on Sky)

• Ross Williams is Chief Executive of Krowji and Creative Kernow since 1991. He also chairs the Borlase Smart John Wells Trust that owns the historic Porthmeor Studios in St Ives and Trewarveneth studios in Newlyn 

There will then be a wider Q&A session giving audience members a chance to participate as well.

Thank you to Hine Downing for their kind support of the 2019 Smales Lecture reception.