Cultural and creative industries

The cultural and creative industries are Hesse's calling card. Whether internationally renowned advertising agencies, publishing houses and design studios or events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, numerous film and music festivals or the German Design Award - the industry makes a significant contribution to Hesse's reputation as a business location.

The cultural and creative industries are regarded as one of the most important growth markets and a driving force for innovation far beyond their own sector. In 2013, over 20,400 companies were recorded in Hesse's turnover statistics; they generated a turnover of around 11.6 billion euros. With around 72,000 employees subject to social insurance contributions, the sector had more employees in 2014 than the pharmaceutical industry or mechanical engineering, for example. It has an above-average level of activity in training.

The advertising market had the highest turnover of the eleven submarkets in 2013 with around EUR 3 billion, just ahead of the software/games industry with around EUR 2.9 billion. It was followed at some distance by the press market with around EUR 2 billion and the design industry with a good EUR 1.8 billion. These four sectors, which are closely interlinked as a result of digitalisation, account for the majority of industry turnover. The architecture, book and art market, film and music industry, broadcasting industry and performing arts only account for smaller shares.

Hesse as a creative centre

Creative minds, clever ideas and innovations are the basis of future prosperity. These are not only generated by the big players. It is therefore also important to promote the potential of smaller sectors and to network the economic sectors more closely with one another.

The Hessian state government therefore sees strengthening the cultural and creative industries as a core element of its economic policy. It has set itself the goal of raising public awareness of the opportunities offered by this sector, intensifying the dialogue between business, science and politics and offering companies help with networking and opening up international markets. Hesse should be a creative location with supra-regional appeal.

The Cultural and Creative Industries Office at HA Hessen Agentur GmbH acts as a central point of contact and guide on behalf of the Hesse Ministry of Economics. It provides information on advisory and funding services and promotes dialogue within the sector and with the economy as a whole through cooperation with local authorities, creative networks, associations, universities and other multipliers. Contact persons and further information can be found at the Hessen Agentur.