Dundee has just been named as a top creative hotspot in the UK

The CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Water's Edge was praised in the report. (Picture: Supplied)

Dundee has officially been recognised as one of the UK’s twelve “high potential creative clusters” in a new national plan released by the UK Government.

The Creative Industries Sector Plan, launched this week, sets out how the government aims to back the creative industries across the UK over the next decade.

It’s a big moment for the city – one that puts Dundee firmly on the map as a place with serious creative promise.

So, what does that actually mean?

In short: more support, more opportunities, and more potential investment for Dundee’s creative sector.

The Plan highlights that creative industries – from games and design to music, film, and the arts – aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re vital to the UK economy, and Dundee is one of the places where this is really taking off.

Importantly, the government now recognises that this industry is powered mostly by small and micro businesses, freelancers, and grassroots initiatives. Dundee fits this profile perfectly – with a creative scene built on indie studios, local talent, and strong community networks.

What could change?

The hope is that this recognition leads to:

• More funding to help creative businesses grow

• Better access to investment through public and private support

• Improved R&D tax breaks that even include some arts-based innovation

• New programmes that make it easier for people to get into creative careers

In other words, the creative ecosystem here might get the tools it needs to thrive – not just survive.

Dundee's creative power

From iconic games studios and digital designers to up-and-coming artists and local content creators, Dundee’s creative energy has been turning heads for years. This latest announcement only confirms what many of us already knew – Dundee’s creative sector is not only valuable, it’s vital.

What’s next?

It’ll take time for promises in the Plan to turn into action on the ground. But being listed as one of just twelve high-potential clusters in the UK puts Dundee in a strong position.

If the funding and support follow through, it could lead to more jobs, more visibility, and a stronger creative economy for everyone.