Creative economy and beyond: conference proceedings

The discussion on creative economy has been one of the most prominent ones in the renegotiation of the relationship between the culture and the economy over the first decade of the new millennium. The economic turbulence and shifts in the market systems to post-industrial era have lead to re-thinking of the role of individual, processual, and systemic forms of creativity. By now, it has to be acknowledged that there is no longer just any one definition or empirical site for creative economy to enfold, rather it touches upon an ever growing part of the society and policy making. The dynamics reflected by the academic discussion on creative economy have given rise to explorations of immaterial work and knowledge in forms of intellectual capital, organising processes, the nature of work and creative content in many ways that are emphasising multiple focus areas and several ideological and scholarly starting points. This leads to enfolding of several possibilities for futures in the parallel realms of creative economy. In this sense we have already moved “beyond” and “after” the initiation of creative economy concept. It was from this pivotal point in time and place that the Creative Economy and Beyond conference took its cue. The purpose was to take stock of the evolving economic activities and creative landscapes, make note of the trends and driving forces in multiple sites and levels of creative fields. The focal point was not to end the discussion or amalgam one definite answer but to open the windows and look for the signs of changes; the ways into the multiple futures that lie ahead are enfolding. For this end the conference was built on broad themes in three tracks that all had their separate identity and starting point but a joint purpose to look beyond and bring the signals of what is happening to our present discussion in the field. The joint purpose was to push the boundaries and move beyond with eyes open.