Culture is Not an Industry: Reclaiming Art and Culture for the Common Good

The British government rebranded art and culture as 'creative industries' twenty-five years ago, valuing their economic contribution and setting out to launch the UK as the creative workshop of a globalized world. However, culture has been de-politicized, reduced to an industry, and its radical energies reduced to factors of industrial production. This book argues that art and culture need to renew their social contract and re-align with the radical agenda for a more equitable future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Culture is at the very essence of what it means to be human. However, a quarter of a century ago, the British government underwent a significant rebranding exercise, reclassifying art and culture as 'creative industries' and placing significant emphasis on their economic value. This initiative aimed to position the United Kingdom as a global hub for creativity and innovation.

However, the consequences of this rebranding have been far-reaching and somewhat concerning. Today, art and culture find themselves caught in the grip of a multitude of forces. Exhausted workers, limited funding, and a lack of visionary leadership have left culture in a state of disarray. It is now dominated by accountancy firms, creativity gurus, and TED Talkers, who seem to have a stranglehold on the creative landscape.

In the midst of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, culture has been de-politicized, its radical energies reduced to mere factors of industrial production. This shift has had a profound impact on our democratic citizenship, as art and culture play a crucial role in shaping our collective identity and advocating for social justice.

This book, titled "Culture is Not an Industry," takes a bold and uncompromising stance on this issue. It argues that art and culture must renew their social contract and re-align with the radical agenda for a more equitable future. The author offers a powerful vision for change, challenging the dominant narratives and advocating for a shift in power and ownership towards the creative community.

Through a series of thought-provoking essays and interviews, the book explores the various ways in which culture has been commodified, exploited, and marginalized. It highlights the need for a more democratic and inclusive approach to the production and distribution of art and culture, one that recognizes the value of diverse voices and perspectives.

The book also offers practical solutions for reclaiming the power of art and culture. It advocates for the creation of a more robust cultural sector, one that provides sustainable livelihoods for artists and cultural workers and invests in the development of new forms of cultural expression. It also calls for a greater recognition of the role of culture in education and social development, as well as the importance of cultural heritage and preservation.

In conclusion, "Culture is Not an Industry" is a timely and essential book that offers a powerful vision for change. It challenges the dominant narratives and advocates for a more equitable and democratic approach to the production and distribution of art and culture. By reclaiming the power of culture, we can create a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable society for all.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526171269