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

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.

Creative Economic Policy: Shaping a New Narrative

How can the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) be strengthened as a social force for innovation, crisis solutions and cooperation?

Dr Matthias Rauch, Dr Bastian Lange, Dr Peter Kurz and Ekaterina Travkina will discuss with you key points for a new economic policy narrative – for municipalities, federal states, the federal government and the EU.

What are we working on?
We will discuss these questions, among others: What is the concrete role of NPPs in economic policy? What do you demand for a creative and sustainable policy? What additional networks are needed between stakeholders from politics, business and civil society?

What can you contribute?
Your wishes, expectations and ideas for a dynamic, creative economic policy. We collect, summarize and share the results with all interested parties. Open to everyone! Come along, get involved – let's shape the future of the NPP together.

What is the aim?
The dialogue workshop is intended to provide a space to develop a new narrative for the NPP together with experts and participants – concrete, participatory and solution-oriented.

This workshop will be held in English.