“Our creative industries are significant drivers of innovation, jobs, and economic growth, and deserve strong recognition,” Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair said.

Now Mr Blair is urging creative people across the state to nominate for the 2018 NSW Creative Achievement Awards.

The NSW Creative Laureate Award celebrates the very best of the state’s talent, recognising an industry leader.  Previous recipients include studios Plastic Wax and Animal Logic, art gallery director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, multi-arts centre Carriageworks, and advertising company Saatchi & Saatchi Australia.

The Emerging Creative Talent Award gives an up-and-coming individual, team, or organization $15,000 and support for development.

The government is also offering a new prize this year.  The NSW Young Creative Award will provide people aged up to 25 with $3,000 and structured mentoring with a creative industry specialist.

“There’s so much diversity - from visual and performing arts including dance, music and theatre to digital and traditional media including film, television, radio, web design, publishing and advertising, and even architecture,” Mr Blair said.

Nominations close on Friday 16 March, at: http://nswciawards.com.au/.