Extract

Jesmael Mataga

Creative industries are increasingly becoming key components of modern economies, contributing to job creation and increased economic sustainability in many countries. These industries are fundamental vehicles of cultural identity and they play a key role in inculcating cultural tolerance within and outside national borders. International policy frameworks on cultural industries across the various regions of the world continue to recognise and highlight the importance of this sector in the regions’ economies and cultural diplomatic ties. Today almost every region has adopted collective policy instruments to address the needs of this important sector. One key aspect contained in the national, regional, and international policy instruments is the necessity of fostering international cooperation. The 2005 convention remains the most popular international instrument and its ethos emphasises the vital role that cultural interaction plays in fostering creativity and diversity. The instrument contends that cultural diversity is strengthened by the free flow of ideas, which is nurtured by constant exchange and interaction between cultures (cp. UNESCO 2011: Art. 2, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18).

The interaction between countries and regions entails movement of people, productions, and services across boundaries and borders. According to Blakemore, Polácek & Staines, “mobility” takes place when an individual travels outside their country of residence in order to perform, learn, create, cooperate, and exchange for professional or training purposes. While certain forms of mobility are “stand-alone”, in that they are based on an individual initiative (such as residency schemes); others are intrinsically connected...