Whether it be through literature, dance, painting, theatre, film, music, poetry, sculpture, storytelling, spirituality, architecture, rituals, or any type of expression that stems from personal creativity, arts and culture enable us to not only better understand the world around us, but also to better understand the peoples that dwell upon that world and the hardships and successes they face every day.
Arts and culture do more than simply display creativity. They also help forge personal identity while strengthening and preserving a sense of community. As essential as this role is, it can also be monetized.
The Sated Artist
We have all heard the stereotype of the “starving artist.” While many in the arts and culture world, also known as the cultural and creative sector, are not always paid top dollar, it does not mean that one cannot earn a living from arts and culture. This is especially true when passion for the arts is paired with a mind for business.
Living in a business world does not have to negate existing in an arts and culture world, and vice versa. Passion and skill do not need to be framed as a left brain or right brain divide.
Like any startup, success rarely comes easily. The same core principles that apply to other successful startups also apply to arts and culture businesses: hard work, due diligence, and perseverance.
The 3 Ps
The “3 Ps” are often the backbone of any successful business:
People.
Process.
Product.
Sometimes these are framed as Preparation, Process, and Personalization. Regardless of terminology, the message is the same. Do your homework and good outcomes tend to follow.
While there is often a “right place at the right time” factor or the idea that success depends on who you know, luck is usually the result of preparation. Being well positioned comes from research, forecasting, and understanding potential risks and outcomes.
Starting an arts and culture business means generating income through creative activity, whether your own or that of others. This can include selling creative works, organizing events, networking, advertising, onboarding, or other revenue generating activities. At its core, an arts and culture startup is about building a creative community.
All About the Grants, No Longer
While grants continue to play an important role in arts and culture startups, they are no longer the sole path to sustainability. As a result, many organizations have shifted toward stronger business and marketing focused approaches to management and funding.
With limited resources, startups have learned to build services and programs by balancing three key components: internal resources, community and institutional perceptions, and industry norms.
A deep understanding of the complexities of the arts and culture industry is essential, particularly within specific cultural disciplines. Equally important is clarity around existing and required resources.
The International Journal of Arts Management provides insight into how arts organizations operate across disciplines such as administration, marketing, production and operations, human resources, finance, and accounting. It also serves as a forum for examining and challenging management models and their application in cultural practice.
Arts and culture businesses contribute to job creation, productivity, and innovation, while also stimulating economic growth. Innovation in the arts often differs from innovation in other sectors, and the field encompasses a wide diversity of business models and practices.
Artistic Expression and Cultural Identity
In essence, arts and culture reflect who we are: our worldviews, lifestyles, hopes, dreams, successes, and failures. The possibilities are expansive.
As technology continues to evolve, artists are finding new ways to bring creative visions to life. From cameras to computers, printing presses to the internet, technology is reshaping not only how art is created, but also how audiences experience and engage with creative work.
Peter Campbell | Contributing Writer
