An Uncomfortable Truth? Rethinking the Relationship Between Neoliberalism and The Creative and Cultural Industries

This chapter examines the profound interconnection between the creative and cultural industries (CCI) and neoliberal economic policies, highlighting the influence of such policies on the sector’s development, structural characteristics, and the challenges it faces, especially regarding labour precarity and sustainable development. It focuses in at organisational level, and argues that neoliberalism, by championing the small-firm model, has led to a proliferation of micro and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the CCI, fostering a project-based, precarious employment landscape. While this has spurred innovation and global trade and democratised content creation and distribution, it has also introduced significant challenges, including labour instability, environmental sustainability concerns, and deficiencies in social inclusion efforts. The structural and organisational peculiarities of the CCI, underscored by a reliance on temporary contracts and project-centric work, mirror neoliberal priorities for flexibility and market-centric dynamics, complicating the sector’s ability to offer stable employment, contribute to sustainable development, or effectively foster social inclusion. Furthermore, the chapter critiques the instrumentalisation of the CCI in addressing social and environmental issues, arguing that neoliberal foundations limit the sector’s ability to enact meaningful change in these areas. The emphasis on market forces and competition hinders CCI organisations from prioritising and implementing strategies for significant environmental or social improvements. Despite the growth and innovation attributed to neoliberal policies, the entrenched structural challenges within the CCI, such as labour precarity, environmental issues, and social inclusion limitations cast doubt on the sector’s capacity to positively impact broader societal and environmental goals.