Why Some Cultural and Creative Economy Organizations Struggle to Sustain Arts-Based Initiatives

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain

Cultural and creative economy organizations play a critical role in helping to preserve traditional crafts and empowering those within the arts sector. However, despite their stated missions, many fail to provide meaningful and sustainable support for arts-based initiatives, including NGOs, private arts institutions, clubs, and individual practitioners. A closer analysis reveals systemic issues that hinder their effectiveness, including resource mismanagement, insufficient expertise among staff, and biases against initiatives in niche categories. One fundamental problem is the lack of arts-oriented personnel within these agencies. Many decision-makers and staff members have minimal experience or understanding of the arts sector, let alone the specific challenges faced by arts practitioners. Without this essential knowledge, their strategies often rely on corporate-style frameworks or metrics that fail to capture the complexities of creative production and the operational challenges of running arts-based organizations. Consequently, funding distributions become overly formulaic, with an excessive focus on financial justifications rather than the actual cultural or artistic value of the work.

This knowledge gap is compounded by biases in funding allocation, particularly against those operating in niche or lesser-known categories. Agencies tend to prioritize initiatives that align with mainstream, commercially viable trends, often overlooking the unique contributions of niche practitioners or organizations. For example, NGOs or individuals working in highly specialized or regionally specific art forms frequently face systemic exclusion. This bias reflects a preference for safe, predictable outcomes rather than a commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the arts.

Moreover, fund mismanagement further exacerbates the issue. A significant portion of budgets is often diverted to administrative overheads or high-profile initiatives, such as elaborate public campaigns or events, which may enhance the agency’s visibility but offer little tangible benefit to the practitioners. Meanwhile, grassroots organizations and individuals, particularly those in underserved categories, struggle to secure the minimal support necessary to sustain their practices.

To address these challenges, agencies must adopt a more inclusive and informed approach. This includes hiring staff with genuine expertise in the arts, particularly individuals who understand the nuances of creative entrepreneurship and the operational dynamics of arts-based organizations. Additionally, funding systems must be restructured to prioritize the intrinsic value of artistic practices, especially those in niche categories, rather than relying on narrow, market-driven criteria.

Ultimately, the sustainability of arts-based initiatives depends on targeted, empathetic, and culturally informed interventions. Without these measures, agencies risk not only failing practitioners but also contributing to the erosion of diverse cultural and artistic traditions. -drrz

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed in my writings, articles, essays, blog posts, reviews and other publications are solely my own and are based on my extensive experience as a Doctor of Creative Arts, ethnomusicologist, researcher, educator, writer, and musician. These works reflect my scholarly research, creative practice, and personal insights into the subjects discussed. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information presented, I do not claim absolute authority or infallibility. My analyses and conclusions may be subject to interpretation, and readers are encouraged to engage critically and conduct their own research where necessary. These writings are intended to foster understanding, discussion, and appreciation of the topics covered. They are not intended to cause harm, defame, or misrepresent any individual, group, culture, or institution. As an advocate for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, I respect diverse perspectives and welcome constructive dialogue. However, I reserve the right to moderate or decline any engagement that is deemed disrespectful, harmful, or unproductive. For any further clarification, please contact me directly