Creativity and Entrepreneurship: My Journey in the Uniarts Hub Pre-Incubator Program

1.11.2024 0 Like 0 kommenttia

Gloria Velasco, a student in the Uniarts Hub pre-incubator program for fall 2024, reflects on her journey and insights into creative entrepreneurship. In this blog text, Velasco shares how the program has helped her develop business skills, bridge traditional divides between art and commerce, and find the courage to pursue a sustainable and meaningful career as a creative professional.

I am currently a student in the Uniarts Hub pre-incubator program for the fall 2024 term. It has been an intensive experience that marks the start of a path I might not have dared to consider before: the journey of entrepreneurship.

As a creative with a background in the humanities, this program has been instrumental in developing my “business gut”— a skill set often seen as distant from the realm of the arts. Within the arts world, admitting an interest in making money is sometimes seen as taboo, especially when one’s income is earned through creative work. But there is no shame in wanting to make a living doing what one loves. The term “commercial artist” is often used pejoratively, contrasting with the so-called “real artist,” driven by passion alone. These are outdated assumptions. Incorporating financial and economic awareness into arts education is invaluable, as this knowledge empowers creatives to build sustainable and fulfilling careers from their work.

The openness and kindness of the coordinators have created a supportive space where we feel comfortable asking “the silly questions”. After all, no one is born knowing what a financial statement is! The Hub has also proven to be a fantastic place for networking and connection, with opportunities to learn from top professionals and specialists within Finland’s creative sector. Many of them are willing to share their expertise and provide support outside the classroom as well.

Our student group is diverse and international. During our first session, I was amazed by how it felt like every corner of the world was represented. About 25% of participants are Finnish, with the remaining 75% being international students, each bringing unique educational backgrounds and entrepreneurial experience, ranging from novice to seasoned. The variety of projects represented is also varied: dance, cinema, visual arts, design, and cultural management. Such an eclectic group reflects a selection process that values inclusivity and diversity. I believe the Hub plays an important role in integrating international talent into Finland’s cultural sector, equipping us with the tools to contribute meaningfully in this context.

The course content is primarily theoretical, covering the basics of essential topics in business planning. For example, we learn about value propositions, categories of intellectual property, and logistics. The course also includes practical information, such as managing business social media accounts and maintaining monthly and yearly cash flow. Overall, the content is holistic and valuable. However, the greatest challenge lies in applying this theory to the specific practical aspects of cultural industries. This understanding will perhaps come with experience and the “walk-the-walk” approach that is only ours to pursue.

On a personal level, the Hub has had a powerful impact. Entrepreneurship, I’ve discovered, is closely tied to one’s identity and life experiences. Developing a business plan requires deep reflection on personal strengths and weaknesses, values, goals, and dreams. This process has strengthened my confidence as a creative professional, helping me understand both my capabilities and the areas I need to improve to reach my goals.

The course isn’t over yet; we still have a couple of weeks left. Our final tasks involve submitting a draft of our business plan and presenting it to the group in a pitch format. Once again, the challenge turns inward, as we must learn to stand up for our ideas and communicate them effectively. This skill is invaluable, especially in the creative field, which often relies on the ability to share and convey one’s vision.

I am grateful to Riitta Huttunen and Erika Aspholm for their dedication and for creating this motivating, stimulating experience. I appreciate their openness to our comments and suggestions. I’m equally grateful to my classmates, from whom I’ve learned so much through their projects, conversations, and company.

Gloria Velasco,
Helsinki, Finland. October of 2024