Prof. Roberta Comunian (Kings College London), Understanding networks, ecosystems and creative careers: complexity, scales and lifecycle.

Navigating the Complex Tapestry of Creative Careers: Insights from Prof. Roberta Comunian

Picture this: we're nestled in a quaint café in the heart of the Solent region, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation and the rich aroma of coffee. It's here, in this relaxed setting, that I find myself reflecting on a recent symposium at Solent University, a gathering that brought together a vibrant tapestry of minds – academics, policymakers, and creative souls, all buzzing with ideas about the future of our creative and cultural industries.

One presentation that particularly resonated with me, and I believe will strike a chord with you too, was by Prof. Roberta Comunian from King's College London. Her talk, a culmination of nearly two decades of research, offered a bird's eye view of the creative and cultural industries, touching upon the complexity of networks, ecosystems, and the lifecycle of creative careers.

Prof. Comunian began by addressing the intricate nature of these industries, stating, "There is a plurality of people and identities, a plurality of sites where things happen." This statement couldn't be more apt for the Solent region, a melting pot of creative talent and diverse cultural expressions. From the bustling art scenes in Southampton to the music reverberating through Portsmouth's historic streets, our region embodies this plurality.

Delving into the concept of ecosystems in the creative sector, Prof. Comunian highlighted the challenge of capturing the dynamic nature of these networks. "How do we represent the ecosystem? what are the boundaries?" she asked, pointing out the difficulty in visualizing the overlapping, interconnected elements that make up our creative landscape. This complexity is evident in the Solent region, where artists, institutions, and businesses intertwine, creating a vibrant but often hard-to-map network.

The talk then shifted to the idea of scales – micro, meso, and macro – and their interconnectedness. In the context of the Solent region, this could mean looking at individual artists (micro), local art collectives or venues (meso), and broader policies or regional strategies (macro). Prof. Comunian emphasized the importance of understanding these scales and their interactions, stating, "What is really important about these elements of the scales is how we bridge them."

A particularly striking point was the discussion around the lifecycle of creative careers. Prof. Comunian outlined a Horizon 2020 European project she was involved in (DISCE), which focused on creative work and identified stages like early access to culture, skill development, and sustainable creative work. She noted, "Most people go to university, study creative disciplines, because that's what they want to be doing with their life; however, many will not be able to get to a sustainable creative career" This observation is particularly relevant to our region, home to several universities nurturing the next generation of creative talent.

The talk concluded with a powerful call to acknowledge the complexity and diversity within the creative sector. Prof. Comunian urged us to consider the various factors influencing creative careers, from early cultural exposure to the development of creative skills and networks. "It's pointless to say, let's have a grant now to support diverse creative businesses, you're solving a very immediate problem, but you're not solving the problem," she remarked, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach.

So, what does all this mean for the Solent region? First and foremost, it's clear that we need to embrace the complexity of our creative ecosystem. We must acknowledge the diverse scales at which creativity operates – from individual artists to policy frameworks – and strive to connect these dots in meaningful ways.

For policymakers and local government officers, this means crafting policies that not only address immediate needs but also consider the entire lifecycle of a creative career. It's about creating opportunities for early cultural exposure, supporting skill development, and ensuring sustainable career paths in the creative sector.

For creative sector development agencies, it's about fostering networks that bridge the micro, meso, and macro scales. This could involve creating platforms for artists to connect with larger institutions, or facilitating dialogues between creatives and policymakers.

And for academics, there's a wealth of research opportunities in exploring these complex networks and scales. There's a need to understand how different elements of the creative ecosystem in the Solent region interact and influence each other, and how this can inform better support structures for the creative sector.

In conclusion, as we sit here in this cozy café, let's ponder over how we, as part of the Solent region's vibrant community, can contribute to a more interconnected and supportive creative ecosystem. How can we ensure that every artist, institution, and policy not only coexists but thrives in harmony? How can we turn the complexity of our creative sector into our greatest strength?

I leave you with these thoughts, hoping they spark conversations, ideas, and actions that propel the Solent region's creative and cultural industries to new heights. Let's not just be part of the ecosystem; let's be the architects of its future.

You can download a copy of the presentation PDF: Roberta Comunian - Understanding networks ecosystems.pdf