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The Industrialization of Creativity and Its Limits: Introducing Concepts, Theories, and Themes
In this introduction we explore how creativity, loosely referring to activities around the visual arts, music, design, film, and performance, is mobilized by states and governments as a “resource” for economic growth. The creative economy discourse emphasizes individuality, innovation, self-fulfillment, career advancement, and the idea of leading exciting lives as remedies to social alienation. Drawing on the chapters in this volume, this introduction questions this discourse, exploring how political shifts and theoretical frameworks related to creative economy in different parts of the world at a time when the creative industries become more and more “industrialized.” We present the interdisciplinary contributions of volume that navigate a variety of geographical contexts, ranging from the United Kingdom, France and Russia to Greece, Argentina, and Italy, and explore issues around art biennials, museums, DIY cultures, technologies, creative writing, copyright laws, ideological formations, craft production, and creative co-ops.