From creativity to entrepreneurship : an exploratory study within the creative industries in Malta

Abstract

This study is an exploration of the journey from creativity to creative entrepreneurship within the creative industries in Malta. The aim is to answer two research questions, namely RQ1: ‘How are creative individuals enabled to make the leap to creative entrepreneurship in the creative industries in Malta?’ and RQ2: ‘What are the main inhibitors to successful entry and establishment for creative individuals seeking to create an enterprise within the creative industries in Malta?’ This qualitative research examines on the one hand five individuals who have managed to turn their creative talents into profitable enterprises and on the other, five highly creative individuals who have yet to make the transition to successful entrepreneurship. In order for the study to achieve its purpose a thematic analysis is used for the interpretation of data collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that creativity, passion, autonomy and ownership are important factors within the entrepreneurial personality. Additionally, the capability of adapting to change, keeping up with trends, gathering resources and getting recognised are identified as factors that enable creative individuals to turn their talents into enterprises and what’s more, support, collaboration, networking and actively addressing shortcomings are also observed as primary keys to success. As an integral part of this study, the main barriers to starting up an enterprise within the creative industries in Malta are explored. In essence these revolve around the setbacks of being the ‘new eccentric kid in town’, the difficulty of making ends meet and the hurdles in the setting of appropriate pricing; the Maltese culture specifically in terms of attitudes towards the arts subjects and competition as well as, island politics; and also personality barriers such as lack of confidence. Ultimately, the perseverance of aiming to do what you love as a career, and refusal to be swayed into other directions sets apart successful entrepreneurs from those less thriving.