Abstract:

This lecture explores the relationship between arts, culture and creativity and urban policy and governance. Focusing on African contexts, it discusses processes of the cultural polis (Mbaye & Dinardi, 2019) with an attention to alternative institution-building (Kouoh, 2012) and people as infrastructure (Simone, 2004) situated at the intersection of creative ecosystems and production, citizens’ consciousness and political activism.

Jenny Mbaye is a Reader in Culture and Creative Industries, as well as the Associate Dean, Employability, Engagement and Enterprise, for the School of Communication & Creativity at City, University of London. Her work focuses on urban cultural economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific interest in urban creativity, development and transformation, creative labour and entrepreneurship, as well cultural policy and governance. She is a research and policy consultant (UNESCO, UN-HABITAT, OSIWA; British Council; Goethe Institute) and a member of the Kôrè Institute’s (IKAM) educational committee. Dr Mbaye lives and works in London.