At the UNESCO Forum on Cultural Industries the second major point I want to bring across is that we must begin to form educational and training opportunities for our emerging cultural entrepreneurs.

Innovative approaches to higher education programs for cultural entrepreneurs is being developed at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Institute of Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship, Goldsmiths College, London University.

For post undergraduate and practical training The Hart Technique is being introduced in Austin, TX after being developed in Oslo, Norway.  The program is focused on developing entrepreneurial skills by “doing”.  Austin Conservatory of Professional Arts.  www.harttechnique.com

Here at the Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship we focus on the cultural entrepreneur through mentorship.

Here is a helpful report from the UK that you may find of interest.  “Creating Entrepreneurship: entrepreneurship education for the creative industries”, The Higher Education Academy Art Design Media Subject Centre and NESTA, 2007.

Education and training is very important to the growth of our cultural entrepreneurs and their enterprises.  However, the approach to training the emerging cultural entrepreneur across the globe is changing.  Not every entrepreneur can go to college first.  We will have to meet the enterprising creative person at their moment of need for outside support and close to home.  The classroom is OK for some, but on the ground mentoring will be the new approach required for cultural entrepreneurship training.