Abstract: According to the European Commission, one of the central values of the independent cultural and creative sector lies in its diversity in terms of practices, competitiveness, and innovation. The EU argues that the cultural and creative sectors are important forces for developing contemporary societies and creative economies. The data are fragmented, scarce, and poorly harmonized. The creative-cultural independent sector is often conceptualised as a complex ecosystem by scholars, policymakers, opinion leaders, and sector organisations. Culture Action Europe argues that the sector is affected by atypical working patterns and irregular income and has led to problems such as weak social protection and a lack of decent working conditions that leave those in the independent sector vulnerable to abusive subcontracting, underpaid or unpaid work, and coercive buy-out contracts. New digital technologies also create challenges for these professionals. Gaps between national social systems, national definitions of independent artists and other rules create unfair conditions. Our proposal aims to develop this independent ecosystem approach by bringing together a unique perspective on stakeholders and key organisations related to the independent cultural and creative sector.
Scientific area: Sociology, Cultural Economy, Cultural and Creative Industries, Media Studies
Final beneficiaries/target population: Agents operating within the European independent cultural and creative ecosystem: Europe 27, but also with countries that are part of the European economic system (UK, Ukraine, Switzerland, Moldova, Norway, etc).
Timeline: July 2025 - September 2027
Team: Paula Guerra (scientific coordinator), Andy Bennett, Augusto Santos Silva, Ana Oliveira, Júlia Mello, Pedro Quintela, Maria Manuela Mendes, Pedro Candeias, Robin Kuchar, Sofia Sousa e Susana Januário
