A Collective Approach to Creative Entrepreneurship: Evidence From Performing Arts Incubators

ABSTRACT

Although the concept of artists as creative entrepreneurs has been studied to enable artists to survive in uncertain environments, some studies have criticized this approach for focusing on individual artists, which may lead to isolation and jeopardize their careers. In light of this debate, this article explores how adopting a collective perspective on creative entrepreneurship can address these concerns by focusing on the relations between organizations and creative entrepreneurs. Using a qualitative methodology, this study analyzes the role of six French performing arts incubators in supporting artists' entrepreneurial journeys. These incubators act as “pivot organizations” that support artists' work across different stages of the creative process. Furthermore, by connecting innovative artists to mainstream actors in the industry, performing arts incubators play the role of “amphibious organizations” helping artists navigate the industry. These findings contribute to the literature on creative entrepreneurship.