A1 Journal article (refereed)
What is the role of creative industries in the Anthropocene? An argument for planetary cultural policy (2025)

Pyykkönen, M., & De Beukelaer, C. (2025). What is the role of creative industries in the Anthropocene? An argument for planetary cultural policy. Poetics, 109, Article 101971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poetic.2025.101971

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Pyykkönen, Miikka; De Beukelaer, Christiaan

Journal or series: Poetics

ISSN: 0304-422X

eISSN: 1872-7514

Publication year: 2025

Publication date: 10/01/2025

Volume: 109

Article number: 101971

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poetic.2025.101971

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99424

Abstract

Many artistic expressions call for cultural, social and political change. Though the policy environments in which they emerge remain predominantly wedded to a consumption-driven creative economy. In doing so, they tacitly endorse a methodologically nationalist perspective on artistic expression, trade in creative goods and services, and cultural identity. By using the United Nations resolution on the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021 as a case in point, we argue that the language of this document, which reflects the current hegemonic discourse of creative economy, misses its target when claiming to promote sustainability because it is (1) anthropocentric, (2) growth-focused and (3) methodologically nationalist. Through a discourse analysis of this particular UN resolution, we demonstrate the multiple and conflicting connections between culture and sustainability through the perspective of planetary well-being. The main target of our criticism is the anthropocentric nature of sustainability discourses, but also their unreserved promotion of perpetual economic growth. In response, we articulate the need for a profound cultural shift from anthropocentric worldviews, growth-oriented ideologies, and methodologically nationalist frameworks to enable environmentally engaged cultural policies and citizens.

Keywords: climate; cosmopolitanism; climate crisis; culture sector; cultural policy; cultural sustainability; sustainable development; ecological sustainability

Free keywords: creative economy; climate crisis; anthropocentrism; methodological nationalism; cosmopolitanism; planetary well-being

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2025

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3