Businesses invited to sign first Creative Charter

HEY Creative's Dominic Gibbons and Max May launch the Creative Charter

Businesses are being asked to show their commitment to arts and culture by signing a new charter.

The Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter is the first of its kind in the UK, according to arts collaboration partnership HEY Creative.

Companies are asked to display local artwork and share details of arts events on their social media channels.

Launching the scheme on Monday, Max May, HEY Creative's chief executive, said arts and culture could "unite people from all corners of our region".

'Happier, healthier people'

Mr May said the charter would also help drive growth, spark ideas and promote wellbeing.

Organisation including Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the University of Hull, Hull College, The Deep and Hull Truck Theatre have pledged support.

According to HEY Creative, arts and culture contribute more than £35m to East Yorkshire's economy.

There are more than 250 venues that fall within the arts and culture category, it said.

Dominic Gibbons, chair of HEY Creative, said arts and culture "make us happier, healthier people".

HEY Creative is one of more than 30 organisations established by Arts Council England and the Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport to promote culture.