Create KX

What?

• Camden Council’s Arts and Tourism Team have worked together with a range of partners to lead the cultural regeneration of Kings Cross, spearheading the formation of Create KX
• CreateKX is an independent body, led by people working in a variety of creative businesses and cultural organisations based in Kings Cross and the surrounding areas. Its mission is to inspire, motivate and grow the creative community living and working in the area and establish King’s Cross as London’s new cultural quarter
• The development and regeneration of the Kings Cross area of London is one of the largest development programmes in Europe
• Create KX acts as a facilitator and leading voice for the cultural sector at Kings Cross, assisting creative activity with and for local people during the transformative development of the area
• CreateKX is run by and for creative and cultural industries in Kings Cross with an aim to foster an environment where creativity can thrive and businesses can flourish. By establishing Kings Cross as a centre for creative excellence, CreateKX will benefit not only the business community, but local people too
• Camden is committed to ensuring the developing Kings Cross site retains a level of creative business and cultural attractions that are suitable for the changing area and continues to provide opportunities for local people and visitors alike

When?

• In 2003 the London Development Agency, with Camden Council, the Kings Cross Partnership and Islington Councils, commissioned a review by creative advisers. They worked with David Powell Associates on the extent of creative talent in Kings Cross. The review revealed there were around 300 creative and cultural industries in the area, and nearly 850 more on its fringes
• The organisation was initially run by the voluntary input of its members, with Camden Council offering additional management support and facilitating partnerships
• CreateKX was then established as a leadership network to champion the needs of this sector and help secure resources to realise the sector’s potential

How?

• CreateKX was formed with financial assistance from Camden and Islington Councils and received substantial financial support from Creative London at the London Development Agency
• Initially managed by the voluntary input of its members, the first full time Executive Director was appointed in 2006
• CreateKX is currently based and hosted by the British Library with whom they work closely to support creative businesses
• To mark the opening of the St Pancras International station and European rail link in November 2007, CreateKX ran a 12-day cultural programme, - Arrivals - for station visitors, local communities and passengers. Over 70 partners and individuals created and commissioned the programme with Create KX acting as coordinator and project lead. The Arrivals programme opened with a series of international and local acts at St Pancras, extended out throughout the week to local venues, and culminated in a new outdoor show called ETA, a major commission by Camden Council working with London and French-based arts companies
• A key aim was to use the opening to promote Camden based opportunities, and involve local people in the significant local changes

Summary

• CreateKX priorities, cultural activities and aspirations are coordinated through:
  • Commissioning research in current and potential workspace provision
  • Acquiring an accurate baseline of CCI activity in the area
  • Regular seminars, workshops, networking and other events at various locations around King’s Cross
  • CreateKX online, an e-newsletter and website designed by Attic media with a Directory giving details of creative and cultural business and support agencies, training opportunities and events
• Arrivals as a collaborative partnership with private and public support demonstrated the potential for cultural development and community involvement in the King’s Cross/St Pancras locale