Competence
framework

INTRODUCTION

The INTERACTION project aims to explore novel eco-entrepreneurial models and innovation within the creative industry. As part of this endeavor, a comprehensive competence profile has been developed to guide art professionals and trainees in acquiring the necessary skills and competences to thrive in this dynamic landscape. This profile is informed by interviews conducted across five countries, providing valuable insights into the requirements of the industry. The different concepts of R2 will be analyzed and classified to define learning priority and associate level of knowledge that the artists should have to become a competent professional in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF INTERVIEWS

Interviews were organized in 5 countries (N. Macedonia, Greece, Lithuania, Poland and Cyprus). All partners ensured a very high substantive level of discussions and analyzes thanks to the excellent selection of experts and participants representing all-important links in the artistic production chain and institutions from the cultural environment and representatives of the target groups. A common set of skills and competences emerged as essential for art professionals to effectively implement novel eco-entrepreneurial models and foster innovation. These include both hard and soft skills, each playing a critical role in navigating the complexities of the creative industry. All issues related to art professionals, creative industry entrepreneurs and administrators/managers of art workshops, ateliers, art institutes, performing arts spaces, conservatories and galleries have been carefully and thoroughly analyzed:

      1. Creativity and Innovation
      2. Entrepreneurial Mindset
      3. Sustainability Awareness
      4. Adaptability and Flexibility
      5. Communication Skills
      6. Technical Proficiency
      7. Project Management
      8. Networking and Relationship Building
      9. Cultural Competence
      10. Resilience and Perseverance
      11. Critical Thinking
      12. Leadership Skills
      13. Ethical Awareness
      14. Financial Management
      15. Digital Literacy
      16. Environmental Consciousness

All the partners prepared their national reports describing the most important achievements. The reports show that the selected experts and representatives of the partners conducted the discussions in a very professional and efficient manner, paying attention to all the details and important issues, while the participants of the meetings shared their huge knowledge and great experiences.

All this allowed for the formulation of specific, well thought out and justified conclusions and recommendations regarding the catalog of competences necessary to strengthen in order to effectively transform the entrepreneurs – artists from the creative sector to become pioneers.

The analysis of the submitted reports lead to the conclusion that one of the primary challenges faced by art professionals and entrepreneurs in the creative industry is economic instability. The fluctuating nature of the art market, coupled with unpredictable consumer preferences, often leads to financial uncertainties for artists and creative ventures. Securing sustainable income streams becomes a daunting task, especially for emerging artists and small-scale enterprises, who must constantly balance their artistic pursuits with the need to earn a livelihood.

Moreover, the advent of digital technology has brought about significant disruptions in the way art is created, distributed and consumed. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for artists to highlight their work to a global audience, they also pose challenges in terms of copyright protection, revenue generation, and maintaining the integrity of artistic expression. Navigating the digital landscape requires art professionals and entrepreneurs to constantly adapt to new tools, platforms, and modes of engagement, often leading to a steep learning curve and technological anxiety.

Beyond economic and technological challenges, art professionals and entrepreneurs also grapple with societal perceptions and cultural biases. Despite the intrinsic value of art in enriching lives and fostering cultural dialogue, artists often face stigma and skepticism regarding the feasibility of pursuing a career in the arts. The pervasive notion of the “starving artist” persists, undermining the professional legitimacy and financial viability of artistic endeavors. Breaking free from these stereotypes and advocating for the recognition of art as a legitimate profession requires resilience, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to one’s craft.

Furthermore, the pursuit of artistic excellence often comes at a personal cost for art professionals and entrepreneurs. The creative process is inherently introspective and emotionally demanding, requiring artists to confront their innermost thoughts, fears and vulnerabilities. Balancing the pressures of self-expression with the demands of commercial success can lead to burnout, self-doubt and mental health challenges. The absence of institutional support systems and affordable healthcare exacerbates these issues, leaving many artists feeling isolated and unsupported in their journey.

Despite these challenges, art professionals and entrepreneurs continue to persevere, driven by their passion for creativity, their resilience in the face of adversity and their unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. As society evolves and the boundaries of creativity expand, it is imperative to recognize and address these challenges, fostering an environment where art professionals and entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate and inspire future generations.

GENERAL CONCLUSION OF INTERVIEWS AND THE COMPETENCE PROFILE

The creative art industry stands at a crossroads, facing both unprecedented challenges and remarkable opportunities for innovation and sustainability. To foster a more innovative and sustainable model, several key areas within the industry must be supported and changed.

Firstly, there needs to be greater investment in education and training programs that equip artists and creative professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. This includes not only technical skills in art-making but also training in entrepreneurship, digital literacy and sustainability practices. By empowering artists with the tools and resources to navigate the modern art world, we can cultivate a new generation of creative leaders capable of driving innovation and sustainability.

Secondly, there must be a concerted effort to diversify and democratize access to opportunities within the creative art industry. Historically, the industry has been characterized by elitism and exclusivity, with access to resources and platforms often limited to a privileged few. By breaking down barriers to entry and promoting inclusivity, we can tap into a wealth of diverse perspectives and talents that will fuel innovation and creativity.

Thirdly, there needs to be a shift towards more sustainable practices and business models within the creative art industry. This includes reducing waste and carbon emissions in art production, adopting eco-friendly materials and techniques, and promoting ethical labor practices throughout the supply chain. By embracing sustainability as a core value, the industry can not only minimize its environmental impact but also appeal to a growing consumer base that prioritizes ethical and eco-conscious products and services.

Fourthly, there needs to be greater collaboration and cross-pollination between the creative art industry and other sectors such as technology, science and sustainability. By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and embracing a culture of innovation, we can harness the power of creativity to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, from climate change to social inequality.

In envisioning a more innovative and sustainable model for the modern art and creative industries, we must embrace change as an opportunity for growth and transformation. This requires a willingness to challenge traditional norms and conventions, to experiment with new ideas and approaches, and to embrace failure as a necessary step on the path to success. By supporting and changing key areas within the industry, we can create a future where creativity thrives, where artists are empowered to make a meaningful impact and where the arts play a central role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.

The organization (that also covers communication issues) in the creative chain and the technological side of art production/distribution are both important. A link between these two areas would be crucial to really exploit all changes coming from new artists’ trends. Their interaction could be useful also to fight against climate change.

The required competences can be divided into hard and soft.

 
Hard Skills:
  1. Advertising and Marketing Skills: Art professionals and entrepreneurs must understand the principles of advertising and marketing to promote their work effectively and reach a wider audience. This includes knowledge of branding, market research and digital marketing strategies.
  2. Design Skills: Mastery of design principles and techniques is essential for creating visually appealing and conceptually strong artworks or products. Whether working in traditional media or digital platforms, art professionals must possess a keen eye for composition, color theory and typography.
  3. Material Assessment: The ability to assess the quality and safety of materials used in artistic production is crucial for ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
  4. Ecology Knowledge: In today’s environmentally conscious society, art professionals and entrepreneurs must have a strong understanding of ecological principles and sustainable practices. This includes knowledge of eco-friendly materials, waste reduction strategies and carbon footprint minimization.
  5. Project Management Skills: Art projects often require careful planning, organization and execution to meet deadlines and stay within budget. Strong project management skills, including time management, budgeting and resource allocation, are essential for success in the creative industry.
  6. Financial Management: Understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and revenue generation strategies to sustain artistic ventures and ensure financial viability.
  7. Technical Proficiency: Mastery of artistic techniques and mediums, including painting, sculpting, digital art, photography, and multimedia installations.
  8. Entrepreneurial Skills: These skills are also vital for creative industry professionals, as they navigate the business side of art. These include skills such as strategic planning, market research, financial management and networking. Entrepreneurial-minded artists have to understand market trends, identify opportunities for monetization and develop sustainable business models to support their creative endeavors.
 
Soft Skills:
  1. Independence: While creativity often thrives in solitary settings, art professionals must also be capable of working independently, taking initiatives and managing their own projects. This requires self-discipline, self-motivation and the ability to stay focused amidst distractions.
  2. Teamwork Skills: Collaboration is an integral part of the creative process and art professionals must be able to collaborate effectively with other artists, designers, clients and stakeholders. This includes communication skills, empathy and the ability to compromise and negotiate.
  3. Engagement with Local Communities: Art has the power to foster connections and build bridges within local communities. Art professionals and entrepreneurs should actively engage with local communities, whether through public art installations, community workshops or cultural events, to promote social cohesion and cultural exchange.
  4. Flexibility: The art world is constantly evolving, and art professionals must be adaptable and open to change. Flexibility is essential for navigating shifting trends, embracing new technologies and seizing unexpected opportunities that may arise.
  5. Critical Thinking: Art professionals must possess strong critical thinking skills to evaluate their own work critically and analyze the work of others. This includes the ability to identify strengths and weaknesses, recognize biases and engage in constructive self-reflection and critique.
  6. Talent: Innate artistic abilities and creative talents that serve as the foundation for artistic expression and innovation.
  7. Resilience: Capacity to persevere in the face of challenges, setbacks, and rejection, maintaining optimism and determination in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
  8. Cultural Competence: Understanding of diverse cultural perspectives, traditions, and histories, and respect for cultural sensitivities in artistic expression.

 

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the lines between hard and soft skills are becoming increasingly blurred. Technological advancements are reshaping artistic practices, requiring artists to continually update their technical competences to remain relevant. Likewise, the rise of collaborative and interdisciplinary projects necessitates strong communication and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

In conclusion, the competences required for art professionals and creative industry entrepreneurs play a unique and complementary role in achieving success and innovation in the field. By cultivating a balance of technical proficiency, artistic innovation, entrepreneurial acumen and interpersonal skills, individuals in these industries can navigate challenges, seize opportunities and make a meaningful impact in the world of art and creativity. As the landscape continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and thrive will be essential for those seeking to carve out a successful career in the creative arts.

Art professionals seeking to drive eco-entrepreneurial models and innovation within the creative industry must possess a diverse skill set encompassing both hard and soft skills. This competence profile serves as a roadmap for individuals aspiring to excel in this field, providing a framework for continuous learning and development. By honing these skills and competences, art professionals and trainees can position themselves as catalysts for positive change within the creative industry, driving innovation and sustainable practices forward through their work in the INTERACTION project and beyond.

In the next step, we will use the conclusions described above to create the Educational Entrepreneurial Canvas.