Ambivalent entrepreneurs: arts-based social enterprise in a neoliberal world

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the social turn in contemporary capitalism and contemporary art through the lens of art-based social enterprises (ASEs) that aim to create positive social benefits for young people experiencing forms of marginalisation, and which trade creative products or services to help fulfil that mission. A growth in ASEs demonstrates a growing interest in how the arts can support social and economic development, and the ways new economic models can generate employment for individuals excluded from the labour market; extend opportunities for more people to participate in art markets; and challenge dominant market models of cultural production and consumption. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers a number of challenges and complexities faced by ASEs that embrace a co-dependence of three goals, which are often in tension and competition – artistic practice, social purpose and economic activity. It does so by analysing interviews from staff working with 12 ASE organisation’s across Australia. Findings While the external forces that shape ASEs – including government policy, markets, investors and philanthropy – are interested in the “self-sufficient” economic potential of ASEs, those working in ASEs tend to prioritise social values and ethical business over large financial returns and are often ambivalent about their roles as entrepreneurs. This ambivalence is symptomatic of a position that is simultaneously critical and affirmative, of the conditions of contemporary capitalism and neoliberalism. Originality/value This paper addresses a gap in social enterprise literature presenting empirical research focussing on the lived experience of those managing and leading ASEs in Australia.

Painting art and sustainability: relationship from composite indices and a neural network

“…Moreover, arts-based social enterprises tend to prioritize social values and ethical business (Muriel et al, 2022). Also, the arts can support social development and new managerial models that generate employment for individuals excluded from the labor market (McQuilten et al, 2020). However, the ecological dimension of sustainability is the most linked to the arts, according to the literature review (Cheung et al, 2021).…”

“…Moreover, arts-based social enterprises tend to prioritize social values and ethical business (Muriel et al ., 2022). Also, the arts can support social development and new managerial models that generate employment for individuals excluded from the labor market (McQuilten et al. , 2020).…”

Educational Social Enterprise and the Wicked Problem of Creativity and Literacy

“…This assertion seems to align with ground-level research and direct engagement with actors involved in the provision of education both within and outside formal schooling, such as education-focused social enterprises. Social enterprises stand as both promising (Ranabahu, 2020; Zivkovic, 2018) and controversial (Ball, 2012; Ball & Olmedo, 2011) responses to “wicked” problems, and additional research on these organizations is needed (McQuilten et al, 2020). While acknowledging the ongoing and complex terrain in which educational problems and standards are produced and reproduced, and understanding “wickedness” as a matter of degree rather than in binary relationship with “tameness” (Head & Alford, 2015), this article engages with a non-school organization that navigates the space of creativity and literacy in a performative schooling environment as well as the discourses of social enterprise that structure its field of practice.…”

“…), with some serving to engage young people in non-mainstream education, employment, and the arts. While arts-based social enterprise research is emerging (Sabet, 2019; McRobbie, 2018; McQuilten et al, 2020; Pearse & Peterlin, 2019), there is scarce research on literacy-focused social enterprises in Australia and abroad. While the implications of non-profit and for-profit organizations’ participation in education are indeed addressed as part of a general critique of neoliberal privatization (Hogan & Thompson, 2020; O’Neill, 2017) or the politics of policy influence (Tompkins-Stange, 2020), there is little evidence of engagement with specific social enterprises who respond to creativity and literacy challenges.…”

“…Such engagement may be necessary to avoid a wholesale dismissal of non-state philanthropic and organizational work under the banner of anti-neoliberalization or anti-capitalism. While it is important to acknowledge that there is no one “right” way to solve wicked problems such as educational disadvantage, and that not all problems can be solved by social entrepreneurship (Paulsen & McDonald, 2010), the need for additional research on the experiences, attitudes, opportunities, and challenges of those working in the field of social enterprise in Australia is evident (McQuilten et al, 2020). Ethnographic research is also valuable to highlight the diverse social practices associated with literacy (Barton, 2012).…”