Jobs in the creative industries currently represent around 7% of the UK workforce1. Living in a city that supports creativity can significantly enhance the ability to thrive and produce innovative work for creative individuals. But which cities are the most inspiring?
Adobe Express decided to take a closer look and uncover the best cities for creatives in the UK.
To create a ranking, Adobe Express compared 25 UK cities, looking into factors such as the number of art galleries & museums, creative festivals & events, the amount of art schools, volume of theatres and number of jobs listed in the creative field.
These are the UK’s top 15 cities for creative minds:
| Rank | City | No. of museums* | No. of art galleries* | No. of theatres* | Art schools | Events & festivals | Creative jobs | Total Score |
| 1 | Brighton and Hove | 5.96 | 26.06 | 7.45 | 25 | 1370 | 185 | 3.589 |
| 2 | London | 2.01 | 2.29 | 2.02 | 110 | 1521 | 4814 | 3.282 |
| 3 | Edinburgh | 9.63 | 10.45 | 4.71 | 78 | 319 | 108 | 2.844 |
| 4 | Manchester | 2.56 | 4.75 | 2.92 | 65 | 815 | 882 | 1.910 |
| 5 | Leicester | 2.75 | 1.38 | 1.57 | 36 | 1749 | 346 | 1.785 |
| 6 | Coventry | 3.03 | 0.55 | 1.38 | 24 | 1782 | 678 | 1.735 |
| 7 | Derby | 3.33 | 1.48 | 1.11 | 75 | 975 | 268 | 1.666 |
| 8 | Bournemouth | 1.60 | 2.13 | 1.60 | 59 | 1021 | 181 | 1.431 |
| 9 | Belfast | 5.22 | 8.12 | 2.90 | 14 | 359 | 121 | 1.429 |
| 10 | Bradford | 4.77 | 3.07 | 2.39 | 12 | 804 | 436 | 1.425 |
| 11 | Glasgow | 5.91 | 6.55 | 3.19 | 9 | 266 | 147 | 1.392 |
| 12 | Liverpool | 3.90 | 3.12 | 2.34 | 25 | 758 | 326 | 1.391 |
| 13 | Sheffield | 1.74 | 3.47 | 1.74 | 55 | 841 | 247 | 1.386 |
| 14 | Bristol | 2.97 | 3.39 | 2.12 | 22 | 659 | 297 | 1.173 |
| 15 | Birmingham | 0.72 | 0.75 | 0.62 | 45 | 1067 | 647 | 1.130 |
* per 100,000 residents
Brighton and Hove revealed as the most creative city
Brighton and Hove lands in first place, with an unrivalled number of more than 26 art galleries per 100,000 people. Brighton and Hove’s creative spirit flourishes along its vibrant seafront, attracting artists, musicians, and writers to its eclectic mix of galleries, theatres, and music venues.
England’s capital takes second place
Surprisingly not in first, but second place, is the English capital London, which offers the highest number of creative jobs in the ranking. London’s dynamic creative industry, encompassing fashion, film, and technology, thrives amidst its iconic landmarks and diverse neighbourhoods, making it a global powerhouse of innovation and artistic expression.
Edinburgh ranks as the third-best city for creative minds
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, ranks third, with more than 9 museums per 100,000 people and 78 art schools. Edinburgh’s historic charm and cultural heritage inspire a thriving creative community, with its festivals, theatres, and artistic institutions contributing to its reputation as a UNESCO City of Literature and a beacon of creativity in Scotland.
To find out more about the research, please visit: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/learn/blog/best-cities-for-creatives.
