Creative Economy

Learn about the societal impact of arts and culture, and how to improve decision-making in the sector by using state of the art economics.
The main objective of this minor is for students to develop an advanced understanding of:

1. economic foundations of the cultural sector
2. the role of arts and culture in the wider economy
3. the challenges and opportunities for those trying to make a living in the cultural sector and creative sector

Overall, students will gain a cultural economics perspective. They will learn about the tension between financial interests and cultural values and how the world of culture copes with this tension. They will learn about the peculiar practices found in the art market, in marketing and organization of culture, and the workings of cultural organizations. In a course on the creative economy they will study recent developments that point at an increasingly important role of creativity in contemporary society. Not just for this reason, the cultural economics perspective is an effective means to challenge preconceived ideas and develop new insights regarding many current, social and economic developments.

• the cultural economic perspective
• the economic dimension of the world of the arts
• recent developments in the creative economy
• the particularities of cultural organizations

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. We advise a VWO-final examination grade of 7 or higher, a TOEFL-test minimum score of 100 or an IELTS-test minimum score of 7.

Teaching method
Lectures and seminars

Teaching material
Relevant articles and chapters, video.

Examination
Module 1 - The Cultural Economic Perspective:****
group presentation (30%)
final essay (70%)

Module 2 - Money and the Fine Arts:****
group presentation (25%)
class participation (20%)
final exam (55%)

Module 3 - Creative Economy and Creative Organizations:****
group presentation (30%)
final essay (70%)

Minor students should obtain a pass mark for each of the three modules; it is not possible to compensate for a score below the pass mark.