Context:

Digital platforms and technology have enabled Indian artists and artisans to reach wider audiences. 

• However, they face challenges that are related to economic sustainability, market access, the digital divide, crime in the art world and preservation. 

Conference Held:

• Recognising the economic importance of culture, the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2022) was held in Mexico City.
• Purpose: 
  • To address contemporary issues in multicultural societies with a goal to share a vision for the future of cultural policies.
  • To reaffirm the international community’s commitment to leveraging culture’s transformative power for sustainable development.

Creative Economy:

• It is an evolving concept which is building on the interplay between human creativity and ideas and intellectual property, knowledge and technology. 
• It includes advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, design, fashion, film, video, photography, music, etc.

Challenges faced by Digital Artists:

• Economic sustainability
• Market Access
• Preservation of traditional art forms in a rapidly changing society
• Selection of artists for financial assistance in organizing cultural events
• Lack of transparency in the selection process
• No systematic or rotational mechanism in place to provide the assistance
• No serious efforts by private or public institutions to promote contemporary artists as brands
• Crime in the art world
  • It includes art theft, copyright infringement, forgery, fraud, and illicit trafficking. 
• No institutional infrastructure, expertise and technology to verify the original artwork. 
  • The gap is leading to injustice towards genuine artists.

Way Forward:

• A collaborative model promoting the cultural economy: To address the challenges faced by the creative economy and promote the economic contribution of culture.
• Establish a capacity-building centre: Create a centre that provides guidance, technical support, infrastructure, access to investors, and networking opportunities for innovative technology-based start-ups in the arts and crafts sector. 
  • This will promote India’s soft power and foster economic growth.
• Bridge the needs of artists: Provide training, professional development, market access, and opportunities for participation in larger communities and networks. 
  • This can be done through a facilitation centre that fosters knowledge sharing, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihood solutions for artists and artisans.
• Use Data Analytics:  It should be used to foster creative ecosystems that contribute to a sustainable world. This will enable informaed decision making and support the growth of the creative economy.
• Strengthen existing institutions: Enhance existing institutions to address the various needs of artists, including training, professional development, material support, access to markets, public validation, and participation in larger communities and networks.
• Maintain Pace with Emerging Trends: It is an appropriate time for using data that sheds light on emerging trends at a global level as well as putting forward policy recommendations to foster creative ecosystems that contribute to a sustainable world.
• Participation of Private Sector: The government along with private players can empower artists, help bridge industry gaps, and contribute to the overall development of the creative economy by providing support, resources, and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Tackling  crimes in the Art World: By increasing security measures, international cooperation, public awareness, and advanced technology for authentication and tracking. 
  • It will help foster a healthy creative economy. 
• Regular Audits: Regular audits of acquired artworks can enhance trust and preserve a collection’s integrity. 
• Promote them as Brands: More efforts are needed to promote contemporary artists as brands and ensure equal representation and financial assistance.

News Source: The Hindu