Research has shown the consumption of arts and culture enhances our wellbeing, strengthens critical thinking skills, and cultivates empathy and open mindedness. Next to that, creatives can inspire us to envision a different future, while addressing the wicked problems of today in innovative and unexpected ways.
The economic importance of the cultural and creative industries in Europe is reflected by the fact that it entails more jobs than in the automotive industry and is comparable to accommodation and foodservices (A&F), or the ICT sector. Forecasts (by UNCTAD in 2021) show the sector will reach 10% of global GDP by 2030.
Erasmus University Rotterdam is well equipped to add value to these industries by working on transdisciplinary research and engagement projects from many different perspectives.
With a view towards opportunities presented, we have launched a new community of EUR researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of Arts, Culture and Creativity and other disciplines.
What are the goals for this community?
- To boost the visibility of the field as a priority for research, education, and engagement, both within EUR and beyond;
- To share knowledge and resources; and
- To create new opportunities for collaboration and valorisation.
What do we mean when we say Arts, Culture and Creativity?
Arts, Culture, and Creativity is a broad field composed of many different sectors and topics. Indeed, different scholars, policymakers, and practitioners define it in slightly different ways and use different acronyms.
For example:
- CCSI (cultural and creative sectors and industries)
- CCS (cultural and creative sectors); or
- CCI (cultural and creative industries).
According to the European Parliament’s 13 December 2016 Resolution on a coherent EU policy for cultural and creative industries, “cultural and creative industries are those industries that are based on cultural values, cultural diversity, individual and/or collective creativity, skills and talent with the potential to generate innovation, wealth and jobs through the creation of social and economic value, in particular from intellectual property; they include the following sectors relying on cultural and creative inputs: architecture, archives and libraries, artistic crafts, audiovisual (including film, television, software and video games, and multimedia and recorded music), cultural heritage, design, creativity-driven high-end industries and fashion, festivals, live music, performing arts, books and publishing (newspapers and magazines), radio and visual arts, and advertising.”
The field is also characterized by a wealth of interdisciplinary connections and synergies, as in the case of topics such as culture & well-being or the role of culture in promoting other behavioral and attitude change.