Dean's Welcome
Welcome to QUT's Creative Industries Faculty.
Creativity is no longer seen as a luxury, it's a commercial imperative valued by individuals, society and employers. 'Creative industries' is now considered a critical segment of both local and global economies and is central to the sustainability and development of old and new industries.
In the five years between 2001 and 2006, Australians employed across the creative sector grew by more than 10%. These jobs were created across music and performing arts; film, television and radio; advertising and marketing; software and digital content; publishing; and architecture, visual arts and design.* These jobs are not all core creative positions within cultural institutions. Increasingly, mainstream businesses are employing people with creative skills as diverse as writing, directing, graphic design and stage management.
During the same period there was an increase in creative businesses in Australia - and more businesses in the sector means a need for more professionals to provide business strategy, legal policy and technological know-how. The creative industries are a priority in Queensland's Smart State initiative, because they are innovation led, knowledge intensive and highly exportable.
Students at the Creative Industries Faculty have the flexibility to specialise in a single discipline or study across a number of disciplines. Double degree courses with Business, Health, Education, Information Technology and Law as well as workplace learning and study abroad options means there are a broad and internationally unique set of study options on offer.
QUT's investment in Creative Industries research and enterprise activity, when set alongside the development of a large skilled and educated workforce, has created a powerful eco-system of activity.
With over 4000 undergraduates and 250 higher degree students engaged in practice-led and traditional research the new work and new knowledge being generated at Creative Industries Faculty is significant. The staff research their teaching fields, they are connected to their industries and current in their practice.
Graduates outcomes in one year alone included Acting graduate Gyton Grantley being awarded Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama at the Australian Film Awards (AFI). Visual Arts graduate Peter Alwast was awarded the inaugural Premier of Queensland National New Media Art Award valued at $75,000. Master of Music graduate Kate Miller-Heidke's album 'Curiouser' was released by Sony BMG and debuted at number 8 on the ARIA album charts. Dance graduate Natalie Weir was appointed Artistic Director of Expressions Dance Company.
Work opportunities in the creative industries are often project and contract based. Many Creative Industries graduates choose freelance careers enabling them to take control of their creativity, enjoy flexibility in their work environment, and increase their skill base through a variety of work. Research shows that within one year, graduates of QUT's Creative Industries Faculty have full-time employment at rates and salaries that closely match more traditional professional areas.^
QUT has established itself as an influential national leader in the development of creative industries research, teaching and policy development in Australia and is an internationally-networked hub of creative enterprise. With many layers of opportunity, it's an exciting time to embark on a creative career. If you have skills and talent and want to be challenged during your university study then consider the courses on offer here at QUT's Creative Industries Faculty.
Professor Susan Street
Executive Dean
* Research completed at the ARC Centre for Creative Industries and Innovation (CCI)
^ QUT Career and Employment, 2007
