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Technology Serves as a Catalyst for the Thriving Creative Arts Sector

Worldwide Economic Impact of the Cultural and Creative Industries: A Discussion Between ICT Insights and IIPGH (INDAC_TED 7)

Discussing the Intersection of Technology and the Cultural-Creative Industries: A Dialogue between...
Discussing the Intersection of Technology and the Cultural-Creative Industries: A Dialogue between Industry, Academia, and Government (INDAC_TED) - According to UNESCO, this sector contributes approximately 3.1% to the global GDP and around 6.2% to global employment, thus qualifying it as a highly strategic sector for economic development investment.

Technology Serves as a Catalyst for the Thriving Creative Arts Sector

Modernizing Creativity with Tech: INDAC_TED by IIPGH

In today's digital world, the Creative Arts sector is evolving, thanks to modern technology. According to UNESCO, this industry contributes approximately 6.2% of worldwide employment and 3.1% of GDP, making it a vital area for investments in economic development. In advanced countries, the sector significantly impacts economic growth, as seen in the US and UK.

For instance, in the US, the Creative Arts industry employs around 4.9 million people, with combined annual earnings totaling $370 billion, equating to about 4.2% of the country's GDP. In the UK, the sector contributed £85 billion to the economy in 2015, accounting for 5% of GDP.

Our flourishing, vibrant sector in Ghana demonstrates incredible potential. With a bustling Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and a Creative Arts Council (CAC) striving for a thriving, dynamic arts scene, ranging from music and fashion to architecture and visual arts, Ghana is internationally recognized as a strong creative arts force.

Last December, Ghana hosted the Afrochella Concert, attracting diasporic crowds and other African countries, signifying the country's ability to cultivate a profitable creative arts industry. While the arts provide enjoyable experiences, their impact extends beyond entertainment. In Ghana, there's a growing emphasis on technical and vocational education to encourage youth to explore their creative sides and step out of traditional educational constraints.

Technology comes into play by offering resources for creativity, like social media platforms that grant young artists a vast audience to share their work. More importantly, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, etc., provide an avenue for self-expression for countless young artists.

Institutions like the Institute of ICT Professionals (IIPGH) recognize this potential and are dedicated to fostering dialogues about technology's role in supporting creative individuals. On February 16, 2023, IIPGH will host the first INDAC_TED (Industry-Academia Tech Dialogue) event at Accra Technical University, focusing on the theme 'Technology as an Enabler for the Creative Arts Industry.' Experts in academia and industry will share their insights, while an open forum will encourage active engagement and question-and-answer sessions.

As partners, DigiCAP.gh, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to bolster ICT-related capacity building programs in partnership with IIPGH and Ghanaian ICT industry partners. Previous events like INDAC_TED and the Tech Job Fair (TJF2022) help expand discussions on skills development, employability opportunities, and the remote ICT service delivery sector.

Empowering creatives using tech is more crucial now than ever, and attending or participating in this informative event could contribute to your understanding of its possibilities and potential impact. For more information, feel free to contact IIPGH at [email protected].

  1. The Creative Arts industry's contribution to worldwide employment and GDP, as highlighted by UNESCO, makes it a significant area for investment in economic development.
  2. With the potential demonstrated by Ghana's Creative Arts sector, investments in education and self-development could empower the country's youth and further fuel this industry's growth.
  3. Technology plays a vital role in providing resources and platforms for creative expression, promoting the widespread success of young artists and professionals in the Creative Arts sector.
  4. The Institute of ICT Professionals (IIPGH) acknowledges the role of technology in supporting creative individuals and plans to discuss this topic at the forthcoming INDAC_TED event, scheduled for February 16, 2023, at Accra Technical University.
  5. By sharing insights from experts in academia and industry at the INDAC_TED event, participants could gain a better understanding of the potential impact of technology on the Creative Arts sector and its employment opportunities.
  6. The collaboration between organizations like DigiCAP.gh and IIPGH, with partners like the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), intends to educate and build capacity for the Creative Arts sector, with initiatives like INDAC_TED and the Tech Job Fair helping to foster discussion around skills development and employability.

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