I read this column last week with interest since the topic of the creative catalyst is a very important one for the city of Hamilton.

Firstly, this project is far from a “get rich quick scheme.” Hamilton’s new economic development strategy, which will be presented to city council and the public this spring, identifies creative industries as one of the key industry groups or “clusters.” Within each of these industry groups, the strategy identifies how Hamilton will recruit new companies as well as retain and grow its existing business base. This is a well thought out document with both short-and long-term goals. The creative catalyst project is an integral piece of the creative industries cluster strategy.

This creative catalyst is not simply a “business and education centre for the arts.” Certainly mainstream artists are one of the target groups that we hope will participate in the catalyst, but creative industries and enterprises include so much more. Think about the sound engineer, the industrial designer, the photographer or graphic arts specialist. How about set designers or 2D and 3D animators?

Creating this type of space which could house a number of different tenants creates fertile ground for collaboration, joint venture, audience and customer development and so on. Further, the catalyst will be a facility that will help draw cutting edge creative businesses to our city, providing more quality jobs for residents.

This project isn’t about “throwing money at the music scene.” It is about developing a space where creativity and collaboration can happen.

We aren’t creating a music scene — Hamilton already has a strong and vibrant music scene with recording studios, talented musicians, venues and more. By developing a central space, we hope to energize the existing industry and attract more businesses from other communities.

We are focusing attention on an already strong industry so that we can build it even further.

Terry Whitehead, Councillor, Ward 8