Bern launches platform for local networking
A new matchmaking platform brings together creative professionals and businesses in the Bern economic region. The initiative, launched by the Bern University of the Arts, the Bern/Biel School of Design, the Bern Design Foundation, and the City of Bern’s Economic Development Office, is free of charge and aims to strengthen the creative economy as a key driver of the region.
The creative industries are among the most dynamic and diverse sectors in Switzerland. Design, graphics, film, music, architecture, digital marketing and many other disciplines not only make an independent economic contribution - they also act as a driver of innovation in all other economic sectors. This industry is well established in the Bern economic region, but has not been visible enough to date. With creative-economy-bern.ch a platform is now going online that aims to change exactly that.
Strategic economic factor becomes visible
Together with the Bern University of the Arts, the Bern/Biel School of Design and the Bern Design Foundation, Wirtschaft Stadt Bern has taken the initiative to create a digital infrastructure that specifically promotes visibility and networking. Hansmartin Amrein, initiator of the project at Wirtschaft Stadt Bern, sums up the motivation: "The creative industries are a decisive location factor for the Bern economic region. With this platform, we are creating a low-threshold bridge between creative professionals and companies - and making the existing talent in our region visible."
No platform fees
The core promise of kreativwirtschaft-bern.ch is consistent: no platform fees, neither for creative professionals nor for SMEs. Freelancers from the greater Bern area can present their portfolio free of charge and acquire orders from the local economic area. Companies can find suitable creative partners at a glance - from brand development and web design to film & video, 3D & animation, music & audio and live events.
The platform does not see itself as an end in itself, but as a contribution to strengthening regional competitiveness: local added value remains in the region, cooperations are established quickly.
Modern design with a genuine Bernese creative scene
The design standards of the platform are high - and rightly so, as the target group is creative professionals. Pascal Perrelet and Noël Gygax from Studio Jung were responsible for the design of the website. The two designers developed three design directions and, together with the project team, opted for a modern and timeless version. Based on this approach, they created a Figma website prototype, which served as a binding basis for programming the website.
The imagery was particularly elaborate and deliberately designed. On two production days, Perrelet and Gygax worked together with Bernese creatives and models - and thus showed the true diversity of the local creative scene. No stock photos, no anonymous faces - but people from Bern who stand for their work. "We wanted a platform that doesn't talk about creativity, but embodies it," says Studio Jung.
Register now for free
Christian Klinner, Ron Orp Bern, was responsible for implementing the functionalities and developing the website architecture. Creative professionals can register at www.kreativwirtschaft-bern.ch register free of charge and present their portfolio. SMEs can find suitable freelancers on the platform and post jobs.
Sponsorship: Wirtschaft Stadt Bern, Bern/Biel School of Design, Bern University of the Arts, Bern Design Foundation. Design: Pascal Perrelet and Noël Gygax, Studio Jung. Implementation: Christian Klinner, Ron Orp Bern.
