Creativity and Creative Industries in Cairns: Views from the Field

Abstract

The regional tropical city of Cairns, most well known as a major location for tourism, is also a vibrant creative place in northern Australia. Creativity and the creative industries in Cairns, however, have received little research attention since the turn of the 21st century. Hence, this preliminary study seeks to explore key features of the sector and the participants involved. Survey data was initially obtained from a sample of 78 creative industries stakeholders, after which interviews were held with 20 of these participants to further explore key issues. The findings are significant and which reveal the creative qualities and strengths of the city and its region, a range of impediments to creativity, as well as numerous opportunities to grow the creative industries sector in Cairns.