Generating value: the creative economy expanding beyond the cultural sphere, authored by Marta Foresti
Marta Foresti, the newly appointed Chair of the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC), has started her tenure with a strong emphasis on international cooperation and cross-border collaboration. The GCEC, a partnership between the British Council and Creative PEC, aims to demonstrate the value of the creative economy, especially at a time when such collaboration faces global challenges.
Foresti brings to the GCEC her extensive background in international relations and development policy. She aims to highlight and strengthen the recognition of the creative economy beyond traditional viewpoints that often underestimate its value. Under her leadership, the GCEC's mission is to unleash the value and beauty of the creative economy, advocating that it plays a significant role not only culturally but also economically and socially.
The council focuses on bridging global divides, fostering dialogue between creative sectors of the Global North and South, and promoting policies that elevate the creative industries' contribution to economic growth and social inclusion in emerging markets. The impact of the GCEC under Foresti’s chairmanship includes advocating for the creative economy as a vital contributor to sustainable development and international cooperation, aiming to increase recognition of creative industries worldwide and unlocking economic opportunities in emerging and developing regions through policy advising and global partnerships.
Foresti also speaks of a sense of duty and wonder in her new role, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and the value of the GCEC. She believes that global problems need local solutions and has highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy and storytelling as pivotal tools to strengthen regional and international relations.
The annual meeting of the GCEC will take place in Jakarta, where the council plans to discuss how the creative economy can help make the challenging move of the city a successful one. The GCEC will also engage with those responsible for relocating the city of Jakarta, which is rapidly sinking. Many island states represented on the GCEC face similar challenges and can share valuable lessons.
Creative Industries account for nearly 6.2% of global employment, and the global creative economy revenue, according to UN estimates, is $4.3 trillion. The GCEC plans to engage in key global events such as COP 30 in Belem and the South African G20. By 2030, Africa is projected to produce up to 10% of global exports of creative goods, valued at around $200 billion.
In Berlin, Germany, the creative industries account for €7.8 billion, or 8.5%, of the city's GVA. Notably, in Lagos, Nigeria, the film industry employs over one million people and contributes $7.2 billion towards Nigeria's GDP.
Foresti looks forward to working with all GCEC members in the coming months. The main image for this article features Friche La Belle Mai in Marseille, credited to Marta Foresti.
Marta Foresti is not only the Chair of the GCEC but also the CEO of LAGO Collective. The GCEC's engagement with policymakers and practitioners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the annual meeting reflects Foresti's commitment to fostering global creative collaborations.
- Marta Foresti, as the newly appointed Chair of the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC), is prioritizing international cooperation and cross-border collaboration.
- The GCEC, a joint initiative between the British Council and Creative PEC, aims to espouse the significance of the creative economy, especially in the face of global challenges.
- Foresti's extensive background in international relations and development policy will be instrumental in the GCEC's mission to unleash the value and beauty of the creative economy.
- Under Foresti's leadership, the GCEC focuses on bridging global divides and fostering dialogue between creative sectors of the Global North and South.
- The council emphasizes policies that elevate the creative industries' contribution to economic growth and social inclusion in emerging markets.
- Foresti believes that global problems require local solutions and has underscored the role of cultural diplomacy and storytelling as crucial tools for strengthening regional and international relations.
- Africa is projected to account for up to 10% of global exports of creative goods by 2030, potentially generating around $200 billion in revenue.
