Reading time: 5 mins
Sometimes I wonder if creatives and creativity are seasonal goods. Whenever business or politics have maneuvered themselves into a dead end, there is a cry for “creative solutions”. Depending on the economic situation, “creatives” range from ridiculed crackpots to saviors of the future.
I’m a member of the creative industries. But in times like these I can’t help asking myself: What is a ‘creative’ actually?
Reading time: 8 mins
When the British Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, I watched in fasciation the unfolding of an unprecedented spectacle. Rituals that reach back to the Middle Ages with thousands of people queuing, watching, and participating.
In a time of political turmoil with economic crisis written on the wall, you might think people have other things in mind.
The whole spectacle seemed so out of date and yet so highly relevant. It showed an importance of culture and traditions that comes a bit as a surprise in our post-modern future focused world.
Why is it so important?
Reading time: 13 mins
Talking about money is an awkward business, especially in the creative industries. We take pride in not being driven by monetary motivations. Many of the creative industries greatest achievements never would have seen the light of day had they been preceded by a profitability study.
But we also must make ends meet. Over time we either learn the hard way to think and act economically or we become victim to Darwin’s laws. But what if we wouldn’t have to worry about our basic economic needs? What could a Universal Basic Income (UBI) mean to the creative industries?
Reading time: 10 mins
Aesthetics play an important role in the creative economy. Many of our products and contributions are in the field of aesthetics. The American author Virginia Postrel explains “that the ‘look and feel’ of people, places, and things are more important than we think. Aesthetic pleasure taps deep human instincts and is essential for creativity and growth.”
Especially aesthetics of places and areas have gained traction in the past years. In local and community development the terms “aesthetic” and “creative” are often combined to generate visions of highly energetic, bustling places where life is blooming, and neighborhoods are thriving. Creative aesthetics is becoming an instrument in upward revaluation. But why is that so? In this little three-part series, I’m going to look at it.
Reading time: 11 mins
In times of crisis, focus quickly turns to the important things: sufficient supply of material and economic resources, physical safety, societal stability, shelter, health etc. When COVID-19 entered the world, there was a lot of talking about what is systemically relevant. Which sectors keep the world going? What professions are important and needed in times of crisis?
In all these discussions there was little to no mentioning of the creative industries and the included cultural sector. There was a big void and it’s up to us to fill it.
Reading time: 13 mins
When covid first put the world on hold in 2020, I experienced something strange: The daily noise and buzz in my head started to dim and I found myself suddenly with time on my hand.
I had time to think, reflect and ponder. I had to reprioritize what’s important and what’s not. When you suddenly find yourself coworking in home office with all the family you learn to schedule and to compartmentalize your tasks. I had to think anew, and looking back, I’m grateful..
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