Prosperity and Purpose
The Case for the Cultural and Creative Sector in Greater Essex
Greater Essex is a county defined by its restless energy, ancient roots, and infinite reach. From the Roman heartbeat of Colchester to the trailblazing neon of Southend, culture and creativity are the very fabric of our lives and the economic heartbeat of our communities, connecting the lives of the 1.9 million people who call our county home.
Today, we are proud to announce the publication of Prosperity & Purpose: The Case for the Cultural and Creative Sector in Greater Essex. Highlighting the profound value, impact and reach of our sector, it makes an undeniable case for it to be recognised as a strategic force that drives growth, improves public health, and turns the places we live into places where we truly belong.
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Taking The Pulse of Our Creative Powerhouse
Our sector is a titan of the Greater Essex economy, fuelled by a 36,000-strong creative workforce that is expanding at three times the national average. We are a county of makers and risk-takers: 96% of our 6,360 creative businesses are agile micro-enterprises and freelancers. This entrepreneurial spirit translates into high-velocity growth, with our film and TV sectors surging by 16.5% and music and performing arts growing by 13.8% in recent years.
Across Greater Essex, culture and creativity is woven into the fabric of their lives. Last year,1.4 million adults across Greater Essex—91% of the population—engaged with culture either in person or digitally. Meanwhile, our county attracted an incredible 54.2 million tourists, who contributed approximately £3.5bn to the local economy. Beyond the balance sheet, we are building a healthier county too. With 53 major creative health initiatives currently active, we are pioneers in the use of social prescribing to successfully tackle key issues such as isolation and poor mental health.
Have your say. Shape the future.
The publication of this Case coincides with the launch of Counting Culture, our new advocacy campaign. As Greater Essex moves towards a new political landscape, the choices made now will shape our future for years to come, and this campaign will set out key priorities for investment and growth, shaped by those working within the sector.
Anyone who is part of the cultural and creative sector in Greater Essex – from front of house assistant to CEO, technician to creative freelancer – is invited to have their say during the campaign, which runs from 13 April – 24 May. You can find out more here.
Findings from the campaign will inform our Counting Culture Prospectus - a bold and forward-looking document designed to seize the opportunities created by devolution and local government reorganisation – which will be published in July 2026 to coincide with our first major sector gathering.