IRAQ’S FIRST CREATIVE INCUBATOR

creativeSpace

Iraq’s First Creative Incubator

By Ashley Barlow

Incubator’ is one of those international buzzwords flying around the ecosystem. To summarise, these organisations act as key spaces for entrepreneurs to develop ideas, work and collaborate with others, as they launch their start up. These spaces are hubs for innovation and creativity, providing a platform for those who identify viable solutions to local challenges whilst also potentially profiting from the idea. We have seen a huge rise in startups across Iraq over recent years, with founders launching their services across the country. This movement is amplified by international financial support from donors who believe that empowering the private sector is a crucial step in achieving stability in Iraq.

However, the creative sector is often neglected and support for artists has been minimal, with funding opportunities coming from limited sources. The Ministry of Culture provides financial support where possible, whereas the entities such as the British Council, French Institute, the Goethe Institute deploy resources to support artists against the backdrop of shrinking budgets. UNESCO Iraq is now moving to support the creative sector too, challenging community perceptions that they are only focused on reconstruction and conservation. Despite these efforts, there is little focus on the use of the creative industries as a tool for economic empowerment. The traditional mindset that art is solely of aesthetic value is the usual response when confronted with the potential for art as a means of income generation. Such attitudes are reinforced by the education system that does not believe in multidisciplinary approaches, limiting the way in which artists who do not train at the fine arts institutes can participate in the cultural scene. This disconnect causes a fragmentation of the culture scene, already stymied by the lack of physical spaces. It is within the context of these challenges that the Station, with the support of UNESCO and the EU, as well as the National Bank of Iraq, has introduced creativeSpace at both of its branches.

creativeSpace is a unique concept in Iraq in that it is a physical space that combines the passion for the creative community with the experience of entrepreneurship. Through the support of organisations such as the British Council and UNESCO, activities aim to support the professional skills of young creatives to help them consider how they can utilise their talents as a business. As an example, through the British Council funded Takataa programme, participants are learning how to create mosaics thus keeping a dying tradition alive but applying it to potential product design. Through the NinevArt programme, our UNESCO funded programme in Mosul, the artists will learn the skills to design and manage art projects as well as pitch for international residencies. These programmes will enable participants to generate new product and project ideas that can also be taken into the mainstream entrepreneurship and ideation programmes that The Station offers. This funnel-like approach ensures that all members of the community have the option to develop ideas and prototypes, and take their ideas further into the business world if so desired.

Aside from the activities, it is essential to build a community around the concept. These spaces will facilitate community building to ensure that those engaged in the creative industries can meet like minded individuals, with various backgrounds helping to drive innovation and creativity. Being close to the startup community, the creatives will also be engaged with their needs that could be needed such as photography or graphic design; and startups may be inspired to innovate their own work in collaboration with the creatives. Much like a startup incubator, creatives over time may be featured in other established galleries, accelerating their exposure.

They will also function as platforms to help challenge the lens in which Iraq is viewed, moving away from the stereotypical narrative of conflict and trauma. As an accessible space, our audiences will be able to explore exhibitions that really promote the diversity and creativity of Iraqi art rather than fuel the consumption of negative imagery to other arts movements worldwide. We hope to draw attention to the potential for the creative industries in Iraq and galvanise the movement to ensure that this crucial sector is not left behind.