The paper asks how the arts, culture and media industries could contribute to the general goal of “growth and employment" presented in the renewed EU Community Lisbon Strategy (July 2005). It defines the scope of a “Creative Sector" from a European perspective and discusses recent research findings and debates, in addition to drawing some conclusions for further action. The definition presented on the creative sector, contrasts to the current debate among economists about a “creative class" (R. Florida). The paper proposes a model which comprises the arts, media and heritage sectors and connects them with all related professional activities in public or private organisations, including in neighbouring fields such as design, architecture or the production of musical instruments. The paper points to linkages between the different fields and identifies occupational or “creative clusters" as well as “complementary relationships" between public institutions and private companies or non-profit bodies.