Higher Education and Policy for Creative Economies in Africa

"Higher Education and Policy for Creative Economies in Africa is an interesting and timeous book, doing much to expand the creative economy literature and understanding of the sector in a global south context. Communian, Hracs and England have succeeded in drawing together various case studies, including film, design, craft and cultural events, from a range of African countries, into a coherent volume. The challenges, as well as the huge potential, of the creative economy in Africa is discussed by African researchers and practitioners themselves, using a range of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The result is a richly detailed, realistic view of creative economies in Africa that will be of use to researchers, students, practitioners and policy-makers." -- Jen Snowball, Professor of Economics, Rhodes University and Chief Research Strategist, South African Cultural Observatory

"In recent years have we have seen a growing interest in Africa’s creative economies, but their value, ecology and nature have not been adequately credited or documented. This book provides insights into important aspects of the creative economies in various African countries, exploring the ecology of these activities from how they emerge and are passed on through generations, to the training, systems and policies that support them. By including the perspectives of academics, practitioners and experts, the book has a wide audience and has captured data that should influence policy on creative economies and inform higher education stakeholders." -- Lilac Adhiambo Osanjo, Director, School of the Arts and Design, University of Nairobi, Kenya

"This edited volume by Comunian, Hracs and England is a highly relevant and timely intervention given the increasing attention to the interactions between creative economies in Africa and socioeconomic development processes and outcomes. It is a rich and dynamic contribution that showcases the value of the co-production of knowledge between practitioners and academic researchers across disciplines. The analyses offered engage critically with concepts and theories by interrogating new data as well as historical material to reveal the significant and complex roles of higher education and national policy in various creative economies. The attention to the key economies of Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa provides a welcome balance between breadth and depth in the volume’s coverage across time periods. The editors and authors have provided a book that will be a very valuable resource to academic, policy and practice communities." -- Eka Ikpe, Senior Lecturer, Development Economics in Africa and Deputy Director, African Leadership Centre, King's College London

"It is always an honour to represent the arts and culture sector of Lagos State. Blessed with unbridled energy and creativity the creative sector remains at the heart of the identity of the diverse communities of this continent. The development of dynamic institutions is key to ensuring sustainability in this sector but is no mean feat in these fast changing times, when we are increasingly global and yet more locally focused than we have been for generations. How best can we support the weaving together of traditions, skills and ancient nuances with the ability of the digital age to leap frog conventional systems? This is what this erstwhile study helps us better understand. My congratulations and deepest respect go to all the contributors and editors of this passionate, thorough and timely study." -- Polly Alakija, Artist and Chairman Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture