During 2019 there was a series of workshops in Regional South Australia specifically associated with the creative industries and several projects commenced and several more identified. The South Australian Government released its Creative Industries discussion paper noting that the creative industries are a strength of the state’s economy. They are crucial to building a dynamic economy that provides new job opportunities, fosters entrepreneurialism and strengthens the future of our state.

The Legatus Group (Central Local Government Region of SA) contracted Flinders University via PhD Intern Verity Laughton to undertake a research project on the creative industries and innovation in the region. The research to be conducted will assist in the development of a data base of individuals, organisations and projects across the Barossa, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and Flinders Ranges. Verity will provide the finding of this report.

Verity will be joined by Leah Blankendaal the Regional Live Music Coordinator at The Barossa Council who has just completed a Barossa Live Music Project to assist with a strategic approach to live music development and activation with support from the Legatus Group.

Verity Laughton Flinders University, PhD Student “The role of creatives in our community” Verity is an award-winning Adelaide-based poet and playwright. Her work has been produced nationally and internationally. Her most recent works are the verbatim theatre piece Long Tan, (April 2017) and the document-sourced The Red Cross Letters, (August 2016). She is currently completing a PhD in political theatre at Flinders University. The theatre project for the doctorate, about the post-World War 2 Polish diaspora, is entitled, Bloodlines: A Polish Memory.

Dan Thorsland is Business Development Manager for the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences at Flinders University. His role is to support and grow the interaction of the College with industry, community and all aspects of local government. After 35+ years as a working creative, Dan has worked globally to advocate for and build numerous creative teams and projects. Dan was General Manager at game development studio Mighty Kingdom 2013-2018. Focusing on creating business partnerships with major global brands like Disney, Moose Toys and LEGO to grow that company from 12 to over 80 crew, he has a clear picture of the talent base and capability of South Australia’s digital creative economy.

A native of New York, Dan relocated to Adelaide in 2001 and joined Ratbag Games to produce computer games. He produced Saturday Night Speedway in 2004, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes in 2009. He also produced VFX sequences at Rising Sun Pictures, for the Australian feature film The Dragon Pearl. In the U.S. he edited comic book series featuring major characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman, and developed a line of comics based in the Star Wars universe, working directly with Lucasfilm. Dan has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Register here.