Background

Digital Creativity, Industry and Culture (DCIC) is a series of events, conferences and symposiums where scholars, artists, academicians and policy experts discuss and articulate different approaches to defining creative economy in the Indian context and creating different ways of integrating cultural expression and creative practices as part of the formal economy. 

The creative economy is a complex and evolving concept that revolves around the interplay between human creativity, ideas, intellectual property, knowledge, and technology. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, such as heritage, archives and libraries, books and press, visual and performing arts, audio-visual and multimedia, architecture, design, cultural education, and arts and crafts. However, despite the growing recognition of the economic and social importance of the cultural and creative sectors, there is a lack of internationally comparable statistics, which leads to their undervaluation in policy debates.

The crafts sector and agriculture are crucial sources of revenue generation and employment for many communities However, due to their predominantly informal nature often results in under-recorded value generation. Similarly, the performing arts sectors, including traditional and community-led activities, operate outside the formal economy, resulting in a lack of actionable data. Other sectors, such as the festival sector in India, are highly regarded for their links to regional identities and cultural heritage. However, they also need help regarding accurate representation in official statistics.

India has multiple government ministries and departments interested in promoting innovation and growth within the creative sector, including the Ministries of Culture, Textiles, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Several general enterprise policies, such as Digital India and Start-Up India, have benefited micro businesses in the creative industries. The Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative has supported content creation and brand development investment. At the same time, recent efforts from the central government have focused on helping the audio-visual, gaming, and animation sectors (AVGA sector). Despite individual initiatives, a coherent strategy for investment and growth in the creative industry still needs to be developed.

Intellectual property (IP) protection is crucial in promoting innovation, creativity, and economic growth in the creative economy. However, specific bottlenecks within the IP framework need attention. Addressing these data-related issues can enhance sector recognition and unlock growth potential.

India has a rich, timeless cultural heritage, encompassing ancient dance and music forms such as Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Dhrupad. The country has a longstanding tradition of organizing elaborate festive events that reflect its age-old traditions and mythologies, with each region showcasing its unique celebrations. These festivals are renowned for their grandeur, immersive artworks, and thematic richness, fostering cultural unity and contributing significantly to the local economy. However, this culture also requires patronization for sustenance.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the cultural and creative sectors, particularly venue-based sectors such as museums, theatres, cinemas, and live arts. The closure of these venues and restrictions on public gatherings have resulted in significant revenue losses, job cuts, and disruptions to creative production and distribution. The pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative solutions, resilience, and adaptation within the creative economy.

In light of the challenges and opportunities within the creative economy, it is essential to convene an international conference on the creative economy and intellectual property. The International Conference aims to bring together students, researchers, industry representatives, creative professionals, and academics worldwide to discuss and address the challenges and bottlenecks within the cultural and creative sectors, specifically focusing on the IP framework.