Supporting the creative economy across the region
Creative Growth Western Balkans is the British Council’s long-term commitment to strengthening the creative economy across the region.
Delivered within the framework of the Berlin Process, the programme works with governments, cultural and creative sectors, organisations, emerging professionals and young people to build skills, strengthen systems and create new opportunities for regional collaboration.
Through policy dialogue, sector support and skills development, Creative Growth helps creative talent in the Western Balkans grow locally, connect regionally and succeed internationally.
About the programme
The creative economy is a powerful driver of growth, innovation and social development. Across the Western Balkans, creative people and organisations are shaping new ideas, building cultural connections and opening up new possibilities for work, collaboration and exchange.
The creative industries accounted for 2.3 million jobs in 2021 and their gross value added (GVA) increased by 41.4% in real terms between 2011 and 2019, more than 2.5 times that achieved by the UK economy as a whole.
The creative industries accounted for 2.3 million jobs in 2021 and their gross value added (GVA) increased by 41.4% in real terms between 2011 and 2019, more than 2.5 times that achieved by the UK economy as a whole.
Creative Growth supports this potential by investing in the people, organisations and systems that power the region’s creative economy.
The programme brings together funding opportunities, skills development, research, sector exchange and regional partnerships. It helps cultural and creative organisations grow, collaborate and become more sustainable, while supporting young creatives and emerging professionals to build the confidence, skills and connections they need to succeed.
For cultural and creative organisations
Creative Growth supports cultural and creative organisations, professionals and sector networks across the Western Balkans.
For the sector, the programme acts as a practical enabler of development. It offers access to skills, knowledge, funding opportunities and regional connections that can help organisations grow, collaborate and build long-term resilience.
Whether through training, research, exchange, sector funding or visibility opportunities, Creative Growth helps creative organisations strengthen their role in the wider economy and contribute to the cultural life of the region.
For young creatives and emerging professionals
Creative Growth also supports young creatives, entry-level professionals and people interested in building a future in the creative economy.
The programme helps make creative economy concepts more visible, understandable and relevant. Through human stories, skills programmes, events and opportunities for participation, Creative Growth shows that creativity can be more than a personal interest. It can be a profession, a skill set and a future.
By connecting young people across the Western Balkans, the programme helps new creative voices gain confidence, develop practical skills and explore pathways into sustainable creative careers.
Why this matters
The creative economy depends on talent, but talent needs support to grow.
Across the Western Balkans, many creative professionals and organisations are already producing meaningful work. What they often need is access to knowledge, networks, visibility, funding and collaboration opportunities that can help them reach the next stage.
Creative Growth responds to this need by creating space for learning, exchange and connection. It supports individuals and organisations, but also contributes to a stronger creative ecosystem across the region.
Key impact
Creative Growth helps the creative sector in the Western Balkans grow stronger, more connected and more sustainable.
For organisations, it is a source of practical support, knowledge and regional opportunity.
For young creatives and emerging professionals, it is a gateway into the creative economy and a reminder that creativity can be a job, a skill set and a future.