Artists, gallery directors, design experts and film producers are among the cultural figures on a new group who will advise the government on the creative industries.

The group, which features film producer Bob Last and acclaimed artist Ciara Phillips among others, will meet for the first time next week.

Mr Last, producer of films such as Tommy's Honour, The Illusionist and Sunset Song, will co-chair the Creative Industries Advisory Group with the culture secretary, Fiona Hyslop.

The group will meet twice a year and will also include observers from Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, will also be part of the group.

Other members of the group include Brian Coane of The Leith Agency, Willie Watt of Nicholl Russell Studios, Toby Webster of the leading contemporary art gallery and agents The Modern Institute, Carol Sinclair of Carol Sinclair Ceramics, Lorna Macauley of Harris Tweed, Janice Kirkpatrick, co-founder of Graven Images, Lucy Mason, interim chief executive of the National Theatre of Scotland, and Ms Phillips, among others.

The first meeting will take place on Wednesday 8 February and will "explore the links between creativity, enterprise and entrepreneurship."

The creative industries are worth £3.7 billion to the economy, according to 2014 figures.

Ms Hyslop said: "Scotland has a creative sector that is dynamic, diverse and key to our economic growth – one that we are rightfully proud of. But in order to ensure growth, develop its ingenuity and nurture our talent we want to hear directly from industry experts what targeted support is needed to achieve a more strategic approach to take our creative industries to the next level.

“This advisory group will support more collaborative working by enabling the diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurs across the creative industries to engage with each other and with Government to discuss and advise on high-level issues of relevance to the whole sector."

Mr Last said: "I am very pleased that the Scottish Government is continuing its engagement with the creative sector and look forward to exploring common ground across the rich diversity of the group.

“Creative enterprise sits uniquely across the cultural and commercial spheres so I particularly welcome the Culture Secretary's decision to invite the Minister for Business, Innovation and Enterprise, Paul Wheelhouse, to join the group.

"This group provides a valuable opportunity to have a focussed dialogue directly with government."