11 sub-sectors account for the diversity and strength of the cultural and creative industries. Much is currently being done in Düsseldorf to further reinforce these sectors and make them fit for the future.

Düsseldorf is a cultural metropolis – this is a well known fact far beyond the city's borders. Hardly any other German city of this size has such a density of museums, theatres, galleries, cinemas and festivals, large and small, with such international appeal. In addition, there is a very active and well-connected scene of artists and creative people, who in turn contribute to this high-quality repertoire. "There is a thriving scene not only in the city centre, but also in many other parts of the city. We support them, for instance, by organising regular festivals and cultural events," says Angelique Tracik, head of the Cultural Office. As well as running its own projects in the city, the Cultural Office promotes cultural education and participation, and supports and advises artists and cultural institutions, especially in the fields of visual arts, dance and theatre, music and literature. One of the services it provides is the rental of studios on favourable terms - there are currently 360 across the city, with more in the pipeline. "In this way, we also support the local art market in a sustainable way. We are actively helping artists to develop here and to be able to afford to stay here," says Tracik.

In addition to the enormous cultural offer, which is mainly supported by public funds, there are many people in Düsseldorf who earn their money with art, culture and creativity, or more precisely, who are "predominantly profit-oriented and involved in the creation, production, distribution and/or media dissemination of cultural/creative goods and services". A total of 11 sub-markets are counted as part of the cultural and creative industries: Architecture, Books, Performing Arts, Design, Film, Art, Music, Press, Broadcasting, Software/Games and Advertising.

Nationally, this diverse sector currently ranks second in terms of gross value added behind the automotive industry and ahead of mechanical engineering and financial services. Especially in Düsseldorf it has become a superpower: In 2022, there were around 27,600 people employed in the cultural and creative industries, which is 5.3 per cent of all employees in Düsseldorf. The situation is similar in terms of turnover: Participants subject to VAT alone generated around €8.5 billion in 2021, or 5.2 percent of Düsseldorf's total market. After a Covid-induced slowdown, the market has grown by 5 per cent in each of the last two years and is now close to its pre-Covid level, with an upward trend. The proportion of self-employed creatives is about twice that of the Düsseldorf economy as a whole, so entrepreneurship is particularly strong here. The two largest sub-markets in terms of turnover and employment are advertising and gaming (see p. 26).

In order to structurally strengthen these creative industries and increase their visibility, the Office of Economic Development in Düsseldorf set up the Competence Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries (KomKuK) in 2015. The interdisciplinary team has three main functions: As a central point of contact for entrepreneurs from the creative and cultural industries, it guides them through the administrative requirements, provides space for exchange and presentation, and networks with relevant players in the city. This service is now being expanded: As part of a new funding project with the current working title "KreativRaum D", innovative space utilisation models are to be developed for the local scene (see info box). "The fact that all the relevant offices - urban planning, building, culture and economic development - are working closely and in coordination together in KreativRaum D means that we can act quickly and decisively. It allows us to accompany and support the players in the cultural and creative industries coordinately in the long term," says Theresa Winkels, head of the economic development office. This form of cooperation did not exist before. The idea of an alliance, of us pulling together as an administration to strengthen the cultural and creative location in the long term and make it fit for the future, is an important milestone on the road to sustainable city centres," adds Angélique Tracik.

So there is a lot going on for the cultural and creative industries in Düsseldorf at the moment. The original task of the Cultural Office, to promote art and culture for the citizens of the state capital and to position Düsseldorf as an international cultural metropolis in the long term, is ultimately paying off for the creative and cultural industries as well as the economy in general. Thus, explains Tracik, "It is very important that Düsseldorf has a good international reputation - and culture can contribute significantly to this. We want to support this positioning even more."

Words: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: PR, Düsseldorf Tourismus GmbH, Robert Freund, Nathalie Schramm - Dad & Daughters Photographie

Creative Superpower