Posted by: Christos Makridis
Despite the widespread support and appeal of the arts and cultural sector, working artists still face major contradictions. In other words, the lives of artists are defined by economic vulnerability, and obtaining additional education often harms rather than helps their labor market prospects, according to research I have conducted on the cultural economy. Academic journal. However, there is a glimmer of hope. A study recently published in Arttivate by Jonathan Kuuskoski, Dean of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Director of EXCEL, and I found that artists who also took business courses during their undergraduate studies outperformed their peers. . Laboratory at the University of Michigan.
Historically, the arts have been celebrated for their intrinsic value in stimulating creativity, promoting cultural expression, and contributing to the well-being of society. However, the economic realities facing artists and the arts sector are prompting a re-evaluation of how arts education is structured, particularly with regard to the integration of entrepreneurship.
The emergence of arts entrepreneurship programs over the past two decades is a response to this gap, driven by increased economic insecurity among artists and increased institutional recognition of graduates’ accomplishments. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching entrepreneurship to artists, so it’s important to tailor programs. However, for many programs, it’s not practical to offer multiple types of resources at once. Therefore, we need to take steps.” “Program leadership must assess its ecosystem (culture, community members, context, and external forces that influence it) and decide what its first actions should be.” We should start by deciding,” Kuskoski said.
Gabriel Piazza (left), EXCEL Assistant Director. Lydia Bangura is a doctoral student in music theory. … [+]
A recent paper published in Arttivate found that even after controlling for a variety of potentially confounding factors (such as age and race), art school graduates earn 8.7% less than other graduates, but business degrees It turns out that if you have one, your income penalty will be reduced by half. . Although only a small proportion of liberal arts graduates receive formal entrepreneurship training, those who do have significantly better labor market outcomes. This finding highlights the critical role of entrepreneurship education in enabling artists to navigate market complexities, take advantage of opportunities, and sustain their careers.
One reason programs have been slow to introduce training in entrepreneurship is because they already have a rich set of curricula, and removing coursework is a time-consuming and controversial process. “The biggest barrier may not be culture… Most degree programs don’t have much room for additional coursework. Competing with or trying to minimize access “This is not a good strategy, and we shouldn’t try to chip away at core curriculum requirements,” Kuuskoski continued. The question for educationists is how to modernize curricula that are relevant and impactful to the labor market in which new graduates find themselves.
Figure 2 From “Labor Market Benefits of Being an Artist: Evidence from the United States” … [+]
The implications of this research extend beyond individual artists to broader artistic fields and educational institutions. For the arts sector to thrive, there needs to be a paradigm shift that recognizes and incorporates the principles of entrepreneurship into arts education. In doing so, we equip artists with the tools and mindset they need to innovate, create sustainable ventures, and make greater contributions to the economy and society.
Educational institutions, especially those offering arts programs, have the potential to shape the lives of so many students for the better. Integrating business training into the arts curriculum is not just an added value, but a fundamental element that can shape the future of arts education and the arts sector as a whole. “I started a textbook approach to becoming an opera singer, but my living conditions were hampered after I was diagnosed with cancer. After I recovered, there were no programs to attend, so I moved to Berlin and joined the cultural scene. I was immersed in it… Then, almost a year later, I was discovered in someone’s living room and my career took off,” Sula Parasidis said. She is the co-founder and CEO of Living Opera and is also a dramatic soprano. “If anything, my experience shows me that the traditional route isn’t always necessary and the best way to learn is just by doing,” she continued.
Soura Parasidis
The arts and culture sector has been facing headwinds for years, made worse by the pandemic. My new research with Jonathan Kuuskoski highlights the need to rethink arts education for the 21st century and incorporate principles of entrepreneurship and leadership into the curriculum.
By embracing artistic entrepreneurship, we can close the gap between artistic passion and economic sustainability, ensuring that artists not only survive but thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Let’s equip the next generation of artists with the knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit to empower them to carve their own path to success.
