2009
11.29
The first UNESCO World Forum on Culture and Cultural Industries which was attended by representatives from 50 nations with a great success. Officials of the Italian and regional government of Lombardy, where Monza is located, created a magnificent event. Denise Bax of UNESCO played a key role in the success of the Forum. The Forum was held in the Ville Real, a beautifully restored 18th century palace which was the perfect setting for a gathering around culture and creativity.
The UNESCO Director-General, Mr. Matsuura, opened the World Forum on Culture and Cultural Industries with insightful comments on how globalization can also work in the favor of cultural enterprises. The Italian Minister of Culture, Mr. Bondi, gave a stirring speech about the importance of culture in Italy. He pointed out that Italy has over 80,000 cultural enterprises. Clearly the Europeans understand that culture plays a huge role in economic development. Most countries have a Minister of Culture, and important budgets to support their activities. We do not have such a cabinet position for the USA except in New Mexico where we have a Cabinet Secretary for Cultural Affairs.
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2009
11.28
There were many memorable moments at the UNESCO World Forum on Culture and Cultural Industries. It is clear that cities and regions are focusing on cultural clusters which means they are gathering cultural enterprises into close proximity to each other to promote synergy between them. From Milan to Zenchen City outside of Hong Kong, cities and regions are very dedicated to supporting specific cultural clusters. It seems the current thinking is that the best investment of public funds is in the culture clustural approach, which allows for innovation to flourish, synergy can occur and networks are created. It is a strategy for of us involved in building cultural clusters to consider.
The Fundacion Prada and the Hermes Foundation were present. The foundations are supported by luxury goods companies who to this day employ highly skilled artisans. What is significant to me is that both of these foundations promote culture and cultural industries.
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2009
11.27
What is a cultural entrepreneur?
New fields of development begin with ideas and then need the practical applied. With the practical comes the need for definitions. Over the last couple of years my definition for a cultural entrepreneur has evolved and I would like to share it with you now.
Cultural Entrepreneurs are cultural change agents and resourceful visionaries who organize cultural, financial, social and human capital, to generate revenue from a cultural activity. Their innovative solutions result in economically sustainable cultural enterprises that enhance livelihoods and create cultural value and wealth for both creative producers and consumers of cultural services and products.
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2009
11.19
While on vacation last week, I read a book I wanted to share with you, Craft Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco. It’s fabulous!
Meg covers everything you need to know to get your craft business off the ground: financing, legal structure, trademarks, business licenses, packaging, pricing, production, marketing, publicity, trade shows, sales, order fulfillment, and more in a fun, accessible way.
Plus, she profiles inspiring entrepreneurs and enterprises like Denyse Schmidt, KleinReid, Sunshine Scarves, Wool & Hoop, and Jill Bliss throughout the book.
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2009
11.18
Grants is a community that has gone through its boom and bust cycles and now, like other Western communities, is thinking about how it will sustain its economy for current and future generations. Creating a sustainable economy involves developing new models of thinking about economic, cultural, and political paradigms. Furthermore, sustainable communities are more driven by human capital and depend on the entrepreneurial spirit to survive.
Grants is starting to build a foundation of entrepreneurs, especially cultural entrepreneurs, who will be great catalysts to preserve and promote our cultures. Local cultural entrepreneurs like Ava Peets and Robert Gallegos, leaders with the Cibola County Arts Council and mentioned in my previous posts, are just a few examples of individuals building cultural organizations that contribute to the entrepreneurial economy while creating a vibrant cultural community.
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2009
11.13
Grants, New Mexico is located on the Historic Route 66 – a highway known to many for its rich culture and history. The Double 6 Gallery, appropriately named for its location, brings you back in time with its facade of a 40’s style theater.
The Double 6 and the adjoining Cibola Art & Artifacts Museum are both part of the Cibola Arts Council which is dedicated to providing the citizens it represents, especially youth, with experiences in the arts by providing an educational resource, promoting area artists and celebrating our region’s rich cultural diversity. In their recent newsletter they say, “The arts promote tourism, are basic to education, are fundamental to a robust economy, and art is cost effective!”
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2009
11.05
With more than 300 million active Facebook users, and more than 10 million users becoming fans of Pages each day, it’s difficult to think of a good reason for not creating a Facebook Page for your cultural enterprise, but where to start?
Let’s check out some bloggers’ tips for creating effective Facebook Pages:
In her post, 10 Tips for an Effective Nonprofit or Do-Good Facebook Fan Page on BlogHer, Beth Kanter recommends thinking about your Facebook Page Name, and custom URL before setting your Page up, because you can’t change it. For example, Numi Tea’s Page name is “Numi Tea,” and its URL is http://www.facebook.com/numitea. She also recommends using badges and Fan Box Widgets to promote your Page on your website, or blog.
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