Launching Your Creative Enterprise

African Creative Economy

Your role in the world?

Lesson 2

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Introduction

In the previous Welcome lesson, we spoke about entrepreneurship as a "doing activity". You are
encouraged to go out into the real world to see, listen, learn and most importantly "do things". Even
if this means you fail the first time. Don't worry...we are here to help you on your journey.

Always reflect back to what the lessons means for you, your business and for your community - this
is really important to keep in mind as you go through each lesson.

In the following lesson we will take it easy...and look at three development dimensions of the arts,
culture and heritage sector, to sharpen your argument for the value and importance of the arts and to
encourage you to reflect on your broader role and impact in your society when launching your creative
enterprise.

Remember, it all starts with the artist as the heart and soul of the creative economy. Let's
begin.
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Role of Arts in Holistic Human Development

This handy model shows us how the arts can play a

variety of (intersecting) roles in our lives as humans:

1. Personal: It can contribute to our personal growth PERSONAL ECONOMIC

Arts,
and well-being (and that of humanity); Culture,
2. Economic: It can create jobs and sustain Heritage
livelihoods and;
3. Social: It can create social impact for social justice
causes of our choosing thereby "changing hearts
SOCIAL
and minds"

Adapted: Development Dimensions of Arts, Culture,

Heritage, Arterial Network Fundraising Toolkit (2011)

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 Artists are the gatekeepers of truth.
We are civilisation's anchor. We
are the compass for humanity's
conscience.

Harry Belafonte, Singer,

Actor, Activist (USA)

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Personal: Art's contribution to the human condition
Intellectualism
Self- Reflection

Creative self-expression Identity, values, worldviews

Emotional and mental health

Innovation and creativity
Personal Growth,
Humanity’s
well-being
Personal Catharsis Wellbeing of communities

Self- esteem
Confidence
Human dignity

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 If services and human capital are
the focus of future economies
(rather than natural and land
values) then creating and
innovation are core assets.

Richard Florida,
The Rise of the Creative Class, 2003

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Economic: Art's contribution to the Creative Economy
"Gig workers"
Economic emancipation

Creative Social Enterprise Future skills

Youth employment Poverty alleviation

Creates Jobs,
supports
livelihoods
City regeneration Self-sustainability

Micro-enterprise development Entrepreneurship

Creative Industries
Creative Economy

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 We live in a fractured world.
I've always seen my role as
an artist to attempt to make
wholeness.
Anish Kapoor, Sculptor, UK

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Social: Artists' contribution to Social Impact
Gender Inclusion
Dialogue and understanding

Social Cohesion
Vulnerable of society

Public Participation
Diversity and belonging
Social Impact,
Social Justice

Freedom of expression Public cultural policy

engagement
Community engagement
Changing hearts Activism and human rights
and minds

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Reflections
• Redraw the 3 circles of the arts diagram in your journal.
• Mark on the diagram where you see your creative enterprise
playing a role in all 3 areas: personal, economic and social.
• Be specific, for example:
- Personal: My creative service will play a role in relieving trauma
- Economic: My creative products will be traded globally
- Social: My creative enterprise will benefit differently-abled people

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Did you enjoy this lesson? Here's what's happening next...

In this lesson, you explored the extraordinary multi-

dimensionality that art and creativity presents for your
enterprising journey. And located yourself somewhere
in-between.

Next lesson you will be taken through a fun activity to

explore your passion and purpose even further!

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