Louisiana's cultural economy where do you fit in?

             
In December 2004 Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu made this statement "For too long we have separated art and culture from what the business community calls economic development. Our citizens are finally recognizing that we are underutilizing our natural assets and raw talents and we are limiting our own potential to create more jobs and growth. . .  From our uniquely Louisiana historic preservation to our world renowned culinary industry, we must move our state forward by capitalizing on these important assets."

Just four days before Hurricane Katrina made landfall Landrieu's office released a study of Louisiana's potential to develop its cultural economy. Here's the link to the Louisiana: Where Culture Means Business report. It's chock full of good information. It's wise to have these facts and figures on hand when ever you or someone else starts doubting your worth because you've decided to make a career in the creative economy instead of being a doctor, lawyer or rice farmer.

I totally dig pages six and seven with their lengthy explanations of just who qualifies to be considered to be a part of the creative economy. Let's just say the painter with her paints and canvas is going to have to scoot over and make room for "industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property.  This includes advertising, architecture, the art and antiques market, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, interactive leisure software, music, the performing arts, publishing, software and computer games, television and radio."

And scratch that about what I said about doctors and lawyers. Page six says they are part of the creative class. "The Super-Creative Core of this new class includes scientists and engineers, university professors, poets and novelists, artists, entertainers, actors, designers, and architects, as well as the 'thought leadership' of modern society:  nonfiction writers, editors, cultural figures, think-tank researchers, analysts and other opinion-makers.  . . . The Creative Class also includes 'creative professionals' who work in a wide range of knowledge-intensive industries such as high-tech sectors, financial services, the legal and healthcare professions, and business management."