Chapter 13: Community and Creative Entrepreneurship: The Dynamic Relationship between Social Workspaces and Creative Entrepreneurs

There is a common misconception that entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries can be characterised by the tension between artistic aspirations and the economic sustainability of the enterprise. The image of a bohemian artist, associated with Paris of the twentieth century, remains a significant aspect of the contemporary creative worker’s identity. Yet, a more nuanced understanding of creative entrepreneurship situates creative practices in a relational environment and allows us to analyse diverse non-economic values and motivations. Through qualitative research, this chapter explores the distinctive practices of a small group of cultural and creative industry entrepreneurs based in studios in a post-industrial heritage building. Framed by the impact of COVID-19, this research situates entrepreneurs within social communities: a milieu for developing their creative entrepreneurial identities. The research suggests that workspaces and personal values play a significant role in shaping entrepreneurial practices, and that these are entangled with a sense of responsibility to locality and community.