Defining Cultural Entrepreneurship
By Douglas S. Noonan, Indiana University Indianapolis, USA, noonand@iu.edu
Abstract
This work explores the concept of cultural entrepreneurship, synthesizing diverse scholarly perspectives to develop a comprehensive working definition. Cultural entrepreneurship is framed as both entrepreneurial activity within cultural industries and the innovation of cultural values through entrepreneurial actions. Drawing on foundational contributions, the work highlights debates surrounding the balance between culture and commerce, the role of agency versus structural constraints, and the evolving impact of digital media. Economic perspectives foreground the tension between artistic creativity and economic viability, while others emphasize the transformative social and cultural dimensions of entrepreneurial action. By integrating these perspectives, the work defines cultural entrepreneurship as a process of creating, transforming, or disseminating cultural products and values, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and contextual dependency. This framework sets the stage for subsequent discussions on the dynamic interplay of culture, economy, and innovation as presented in the rest of the volume.
Cultural Entrepreneurship
This volume explores the concept of Cultural Entrepreneurship, illustrating how creativity, culture, and business come together in innovative ways. Starting with a working definition -- “entrepreneurship in or of culture, including entrepreneurship in the cultural industries and entrepreneurship in the cultural arena of artistic and cultural values” – the volume examines key themes in current research. These include balancing artistic creativity with economic viability, navigating individual agency versus structural constraints in creative careers, and adapting to new business models from traditional arts organizations to emerging digital platforms. Highlighting an interdisciplinary perspective, the volume considers the economic, sociological, and cultural forces shaping entrepreneurial activities in creative realms. It provides both theoretical frameworks and practical insights, presenting cultural entrepreneurship as a dynamic field that combines artistic innovation with economic strategies.
Companion
Foundations and Trends® in Entrepreneurship, Volume 21, Issue 4-5 Special Issue: Cultural Entrepreneurship
See the other articles that are also part of this special issue.