The intersection of politics and the creative industry has historically been complex, often characterized by a lack of understanding and support for the arts and creative sectors.
However, the recent trend of creatives winning parliamentary seats is changing the narrative.
In recent elections across various countries, there has been a noticeable increase in individuals from creative backgrounds—artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and designers—who are successfully campaigning for and winning parliamentary seats.
According to Rex Omar, the election of six parliamentary candidates from the creative arts sector in Ghana will change the perception of the industry.
“It got to a certain time when you were a creative person and you engaged in politics people who did not understand issues made you feel like it was wrong. Meanwhile politics is not a reserved for some particular group or profession but when you are creative and you venture into politics then people will be lambasting you.”
Rex Omar
Creatives often possess strong communication skills and a unique ability to engage with the public. Their storytelling capabilities resonate with voters, making complex political issues more relatable.
The inclusion of creatives in politics brings fresh perspectives to legislative discussions. Their experiences in the arts inform policies that affect culture, education, and social issues.
The election of creatives to parliamentary positions has the potential to significantly influence policy and funding in several key areas.
Creatives in parliament are likely to advocate for increased funding for the arts. This leads to more grants, subsidies, and public investment in cultural initiatives, which are crucial for the sustainability of the creative sector.
With their firsthand experience in the industry, creatives contribute to the development of cultural policies that support artists and cultural organizations.
This might include initiatives aimed at promoting diversity in the arts, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring fair compensation for artists.
Enhancing the Public Perception of the Arts
The visibility of creatives in political positions also enhances the public perception of the arts and culture.
Having creatives in parliament helps legitimize the arts as an essential part of society, deserving of attention and resources. This shift in perception leads to broader public support for cultural initiatives.
Young people are more likely to pursue careers in the arts when they see role models in positions of power. Creatives in parliament inspire the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.
Creatives often thrive in collaborative environments. Their presence in politics encourages partnerships between government, the private sector, and the arts, leading to innovative solutions to social and economic challenges.
The Highlife musician, Rex Omar revealed that he’s excited about the young creatives who are going to parliament because they will advocate for the industry.
“I’m very happy that in this particular election, we have elected six creatives that have won their parliamentary seats. And what that will do is that they would go and advocate for the industry because research has shown that the creative arts industry can provide a lot of jobs for young people.”
Rex Omar
Despite the potential benefits, the journey for creatives in politics is not without challenges. They face skepticism from traditional political establishments, funding limitations, and the need to navigate complex legislative processes.
Additionally, the creative industry itself is often fragmented, making it challenging for elected officials to represent the diverse interests within the sector.
The election of creatives to parliamentary seats represents a significant shift in the political landscape.
By leveraging their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences, these individuals have the potential to drive meaningful change in policies that support and elevate the creative industry.
As they advocate for increased funding, cultural policy development, and the importance of arts education, the creative sector stands to benefit immensely.
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