Glasgow among top European cities for people considering creative careers

Glasgow has been ranked the seventh best city in Europe for a new creative career.

Many graduates are also choosing to stay in Glasgow after completing their studies, a council meeting heard.

Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Councillor, said she was delighted to see Adobe Express recognise “this month” that Scotland’s largest city was ranked seventh among European cities for those considering a creative career.

Speaking at the full council meeting on Thursday, the SNP councilor said Glasgow is indeed an active and culturally vibrant city.

She said: “We were placed just behind London in the UK and on par with cities like Vienna and Stockholm and ahead of Zurich and Barcelona. This is the type of business we like to keep in Glasgow. We ourselves know that we live and work in a major European city. It’s always good to hear others say it too.

She added: “The presence of leading art and design schools in the city as well as our thriving museums were cited as reasons for this ranking and these are institutions that not only attract people to our city, but retain them also here. »

The politician was responding to a question from party councilor Laura Doherty asking what progress is being made towards a council “Mission Grand Challenge 4” in the council’s strategic plan to help the city be active and culturally vibrant.

Councilor Aitken said since the launch of the strategic plan in 2022 there has been a renewed vision for libraries, a tourism and visitors plan and a cultural strategy.

Langside councillor explained at the meeting that there will also be an events strategy, a learning and community development plan and a physical activity and sports strategy over the coming year.

Councilor Doherty also asked about graduate retention levels compared to other cities.

Councillor Aitken said: “Graduate retention rates are one area of ​​the city’s economy where we perform particularly strongly in a UK context. In fact, among major UK cities, we are second only to Bristol in terms of graduate retention rates.

She added: “Just under half of students who come to study in Glasgow then choose to stay in Glasgow and live and work here longer term. This is hugely important and I believe is an often overlooked and underappreciated part of Glasgow’s economic success.

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