Creative Economic Policy: Shaping a New Narrative

Cultural & Creative industries as the Infrastructure of a "Place-based Economy"

"Creative industries as a driver of urban prosperity and growth" - this narrative has passed its zenith. Disillusionment has set in, in politics and in the sector, and it is high time for a new (self-)description. Peter Kurz uses his experience of local politics to formulate what the creative industries can achieve beyond promises of growth: As a local shaping force that generates density, diversity and interaction – and thus creates the basis that cities and regions need for innovation and resilience. And how it must position itself in order to be heard politically again.

Creativity as the Infrastructure of the Future

Germany and Europe are faced with the task of orienting their economic policy towards the future. In addition to traditional infrastructure and security investments, strengthening social cohesion is becoming more important than ever. The cultural and creative industries should play a more central role than ever before: This is because they can combine technological innovation with the creation of meaning and develop solutions for shaping the future. In a time of global upheaval – characterized by digital platforms and authoritarian state systems – creativity is becoming a strategic raw material for Europe. It not only creates economic value, but is also a transmission belt for the urgently needed playful spaces of experience and surprising utopias. In addition to freedom, they in turn make courage tangible and can effectively convey a meaningful new beginning.

Dr Bastian Lange and Dr Matthias Rauch show how a new narrative and collaborative spaces can establish infrastructures of the future – open, diverse and connected. Their approach emphasises that creativity is more than just an industry. It is a key and building block for social transformation.

What Supports the Future? Creativity Between Politics, Practice & Perspective

Building on the impulse from Dr Peter Kurz and the session "Creativity as the Infrastructure of the Future", the participants will discuss how creativity can become a supporting pillar for social cohesion, economic transformation and democratic resilience. The focus will be on questions of governance, responsibility and impact as well as concrete approaches to structurally strengthen framework conditions.

This panel will be held in English.