NEW ORGANISATIONAL AND FUNDING MODELS (COOPS, UNIONS, SOLIDARITY FUNDS)
Cultural production refers to the creation, dissemination, and preservation of various forms of cultural expression, including art, literature, music, film, theatre, and more. Traditionally, cultural production has been organised and funded through established models such as government support (mostly in Europe), private patronage (mainly in the US through donations), ticket sales, publishing deals, and grants. However, new organisational and funding models have emerged in recent years, driven by technological advancements, changing audience behaviours, and evolving cultural landscapes.
One significant development is the rise of digital platforms and the internet, which have enabled new cultural production and distribution forms that have transformed the market for cultural industries. Artists and creators can reach global audiences through online platforms, bypassing traditional gatekeepers and intermediaries. (This has sometimes been referred to as ‘the Bowie theory’, named after the musician because he was the first to foresee the market transformation.) These new developments have facilitated the emergence of independent and self-publishing models, crowdfunding platforms, and online marketplaces that allow artists to fund and distribute their work directly to consumers.
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have become popular ways for artists to engage their audience and secure project funding. These platforms allow individuals to contribute financially to support the creative work of their favourite artists, often in exchange for exclusive content or other rewards.
Another trend in cultural production is the growth of collaborative and community-based models. Artists and creators are increasingly collaborating with each other and with audiences to co-create and co-fund projects. This approach fosters a sense of community ownership and participation in the cultural production process.
Furthermore, cultural organisations and institutions are exploring new funding models beyond traditional government grants and private donations. Some diversify revenue streams by generating income through merchandise sales, ticketed events, partnerships, sponsorships, and licensing agreements. Others are adopting social entrepreneurship models, combining their cultural mission with commercial activities to generate revenue and achieve financial sustainability.
New organisational and funding models have emerged in recent years to address the challenges and opportunities faced by cultural producers and promote alternative approaches to support their work. These models include cooperatives (coops), unions, solidarity networks, and funds.
Let us explore each of them in brief:
▪ Cooperatives (coops): Cultural cooperatives are organisations owned and democratically governed by the individuals producing or distributing cultural goods and services. Cooperatives enable artists, writers, musicians, and other cultural workers to collectively manage their work and share resources. By pooling their skills, knowledge, and financial resources, coops provide a framework for mutual support, collective decision-making, and equitable distribution of profits. The stability and growth of coops depend on the strength of their founders’ ideological bases.
▪ Unions: Cultural worker unions have been established to advocate for the rights and interests of workers in the cultural sector. These unions aim to protect the rights of artists and cultural professionals, negotiate fair working conditions, and advocate for better wages, benefits, and job security. Unions are crucial in promoting collective bargaining, advocating for cultural workers’ rights, and fostering solidarity within the industry.
▪ Solidarity networks: Solidarity networks are informal or formal associations of individuals or organisations collaborating to support cultural production. These networks foster cooperation, mutual aid, and resource sharing among cultural workers. They may provide platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and peer support. Solidarity networks can also advocate for policy changes and promote the value of cultural production within society.
▪ Funds: Cultural funds, also known as art funds or cultural grants, are financial mechanisms supporting cultural projects, initiatives, and artists. Governments, foundations, private organisations, or communities may establish these funds. They offer financial resources, grants, or loans to individuals or organisations working in the cultural sector. Cultural funds often have specific criteria for funding, such as supporting emerging artists, promoting cultural diversity, or addressing social issues through artistic expression.
The digitalisation of cultural expressions and these new organisational and funding models aim to empower cultural producers, address inequalities within the sector, and create more sustainable and inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. They reflect a shift toward more direct, participatory, community-oriented, and equitable cultural production and support approaches. (JLS)
See also: Solidarity; Equality; Cultural commons