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What is a cultural economy and why does Punjab need one?

At PCP, our goal is to build an inclusive, accessible and innovative cultural economy in Punjab.

One that can transform our rich cultural heritage and abundant creative talents into real economic benefits for the creative community and citizens alike. 


For that to happen, we need this cultural economy to be inclusive, accessible, and innovative.


But what do we even mean by “cultural economy”?


A cultural economy is a subset of the economy that has to do with the production and consumption of cultural and creative products and services. Cultural economics studies the relationship to and impact of such activities on the larger economy. But we all know that a strong cultural economy positively impacts not just the economy but also society. For what is society without art, music, film, heritage, literature, dance, food etc? These cultural artifacts both define us and help us expand beyond what we have been or thought possible. 


While the fruits of cultural and creative labours may often be intangible or may not fit into any regulated standards of pricing, we believe it is crucial to nurture a thriving cultural economy, where cultural creators and entrepreneurs can access, engage with and provide value to citizens; and where citizens can easily and willingly engage with and support such efforts with their patronage — not just out of goodwill, but for the value they find in them. 


Punjab unfortunately sorely lacks such a healthy cultural economy. Despite having no dearth of heritage or talent, we don’t see any of that cultural capital translate into economic capital for our creator community or benefit our larger society in general. Our artists still struggle and suffer, feeling too alone, challenged, or shortchanged to do the things they feel they can do in other parts of the world.


And so, they leave. They go to places that have a better cultural economy. Where they can create their art and still live a life of dignity and comfort. And we as a society celebrate them from afar. See how well our artists are doing in distant shores! We are always proud to be their point of origin, but we have never really been a part of their artistic or creative journey.


Punjab needs an inclusive, accessible, innovative cultural economy


What we need is an ecosystem that helps such artists do what they do, right here in Punjab. Where every form and interpretation of creativity is welcome (inclusive), where creators and consumers can easily engage (accessible), and where creators are encouraged to experiment, fail and grow in new directions to explore their full potential (innovative). We believe such an ecosystem will help us build a cultural economy in Punjab that has a real economic impact for the state, and the creators and citizens in the state, as well as at a national and international level. 


So what are those building blocks that will help us create such a cultural economy right here in Punjab, of Punjabis and for Punjab?


That is exactly what we need to find out. 


If you are part of the creative and cultural ecosystem in any way today, then we invite you to join us at the PCP Dialogues 2024, Edition#1: Building Punjab’s Cultural Economy: Challenges, Opportunities, Action.





At this event, 50 cultural change makers, creators and entrepreneurs from Punjab will come together to discuss what it takes to achieve the goal of an inclusive, accessible and innovative cultural economy in Punjab.


If you would like an invite and be one of our 50 voices at this highly interactive and action oriented event, please fill out the form on the event page to register and we will send you your invitation.


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