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resource theme · Creative economies

Cultural entrepreneurship

Creative work increasingly moves between artistic practice, enterprise, teaching, production and collaboration. This resource gathers research, debates and contributions about the conditions that enable that work to thrive.

People collaborating around a table during a creative working session

Cultural entrepreneurship describes the practical, economic and social realities of making creative work sustainable.

Artists and creators often combine several activities: writing, performing, teaching, producing independently and joining co-productions. Each activity may involve different professional, fiscal or social arrangements, making administration complex and encouraging new ways of organising work.

The cultural and creative sectors also include small organisations, independent practitioners and emerging ventures. Their agility, mixed sources of income and ability to work across disciplines offer useful material for thinking about the future of employment and enterprise in culture.

Works in this resource

Events

Studies

Op-eds and contributions

Proposals and infographics

Web series and reviews

The resource also records examples of cultural start-ups and editorial discussions about the relationship between creativity, enterprise and innovation.

Helpful notes

Frequently asked questions

What does cultural entrepreneurship mean here?

It refers to the ways creative practitioners and organisations develop, finance, manage and share cultural work.

Why is cultural work often described as multi-activity?

Many practitioners combine artistic production with teaching, performance, administration, freelance work or collaboration across projects.

What materials are included on this page?

The resource links to event accounts, studies, op-eds, contributions, proposals, infographics and examples of cultural start-ups.

Can I explore related economic research?

Yes. The economic models section expands the resource’s work on financing, sustainability and organisational change.

How can I contact the resource?

Write to info@forum-avignon.en-html.org for editorial or resource-related enquiries.