TWO institutions have signed an agreement strengthening their commitment to drive forward the creative industries in Cornwall.

Professor Anne Carlisle OBE, vice chancellor of Falmouth University, and Julien Boast, CEO and creative director of the Hall for Cornwall, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

The two organisations are cultural powerhouses in the county, providing academic, innovation, cultural and physical infrastructure that can promote economic growth.

They have agreed three areas of focus where they will work together over the next five years for the benefit of Cornwall: People, Places and Business.

Professor Carlisle said: “We are delighted to be formalising our positive, proactive, impactful relationship with the Hall for Cornwall in this way.

"Both institutions are aligned in their aspiration to leverage the creative industries, the fastest growing sector of the UK economy, to drive the transformation of the Cornish economy and this plan will underpin and guide our work together.”

Mr Boast said: “Our county is a very special place with a unique cultural heritage and wealth of creative and entrepreneurial talent. Together, our two organisations have the networks, infrastructure and knowledge capital to harness that to transform Cornwall’s cultural and economic future.”

Objectives include the development and retention of talent in Cornwall and fostering new 'Knowledge Transfer Partnerships' that will promote new commercial approaches to immersive performance and theatre production.

Additionally, they plan to collaborate to support ‘place shaping’ across Cornwall. This will include producing and delivering a Culture Strategy for Truro, supporting the delivery of the Local Plan and developing ‘creative clusters’ throughout the county.

The Hall for Cornwall and Falmouth University will also work to attract new investment in Cornwall, which will include co-financing start-ups and the provision of investment and support for talented students and entrepreneurs.