New research on developing cultural industries in Africa

Exploring the connection between culture and broader goals of human development, this research focuses on cultural and creative industries in what is commonly referred to as 'developing countries'. Christiaan De Beukelaer offers a thorough exploration of how the concepts of cultural and creative industries are constructed and implemented across African countries and evaluates various policy implications of his findings. Combining an empirical study of the cultural industries of Africa with an understanding towards broader insights regarding global implications of the European debate surrounding creative industries, De Beukelaer's work will greatly benefit our thinking on cultural policy.

ENDORSEMENTS

“This thought-provoking study gives a comprehensive contribution to move ahead the debate from theory to practice. In investigating the bottlenecks of the music industry in Burkina Faso and Ghana, Christiaan De Beukelaer provides constructive criticism and addresses the obsolete and antagonizing division of countries between: developed vs. developing, north vs. south and even worse first vs.third world. He rightly argues that recognition of the ‘potential’ of the cultural industries and the creative economy is not enough, effective policies and initiatives should be in place to realize it.”
Edna dos Santos Duisenberg

Former Chief, UNCTAD Creative Economy Programme

“A must for those interested in the West African music business and the new ‘cultural industries’ paradigm. Christiaan De Beukelaer delves into the history of this new developmental concept and examines how it is encouraging governmental assistance to the African music industry. He also presents its negative Eurocentric presumptions that ignore local views on the social and humanist role of music in society and its ownership.”
John Collins

Professor of Musicology, University of Ghana at Legon

“This book is a timely reminder why cultural policy studies needs not be some idle backwater but can be right at the heart of contemporary debates around culture, economy, development and modernity. Christiaan De Beukelaer places current policy debates in their broader academic context but, more importantly, he shows why these debates matter and to who.”
Justin O’Connor

Professor of Cultural Economy, Monash University, Melbourne

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