Most people have primarily associated the creative sector up to now with media heartlands, specific centres where a high density of such industries thrive, and with major cities. But creativity and a passion for innovation are also a driving force and source of inspiration for society and the economy in the wider rural areas of Niedersachsen as well. In many cases, however, the protagonists involved are not aware of their significance or the chances they represent. "With the CreativTag, we are taking the route of integrating the creative players, of letting them actively take part in the discussion and the developments, and setting the creative economy and cultural scene in motion in a manner that has a lasting effect," says Jürgen Lutz from the Stade Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Stade), who is also spokesman for the field of services at the NIHK, a working committee representing the interests of 5 chambers in Niedersachsen. The NIHK is staging the CreativTag together with the Creativnetz-Osterholz, a network for the cultural and creative community in the district of Osterholz.

The themes covered by the workshops will include the professionalisation of creative industry players, the creative economy as a location factor, possibilities of promotion and funding, and networking options. The CreativTag Niedersachsen is to serve as the starting signal for a vital and stimulating community among the creative sector that also embraces the rural regions of the state as well. It is to carry out lobby work as part of a cultural and creative economy that is gaining form nationwide. At the same time, the new network opens up chances for cooperation.

The event will take place on 20th May from 9 am to 5 pm in the Ritterhuder Veranstaltungszentrum, Riesstrasse 11, 27721 Ritterhude. The registration deadline is 17th May.

Further information can be obtained from the IHK Stade and the Internet site: www.creativnetz-ohz.de