Exploring Creative Vibrations: Lessons on Kazakhstan's Hidden Potential Revealed by India's Wisdom
In the heart of Mumbai, a pulsating city that engulfs you rather than welcome you, I found myself amidst a revolution - a creative uprising that left me spellbound. I was more than just a journalist covering an event; I was a dreamer across oceans and continents, partaking in India's vibrant storytelling spectacle.
With its kaleidoscope of colors, perpetual chaos, and boundless creativity, Mumbai is not just a city but a rhythm that resonates within you. It embraces you, compels you, and makes you a part of its grand tapestry.
During those unforgettable days at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), I stood inches away from the demigods of Indian cinema - Shah Rukh Khan and Mithun Chakraborty. They're not mere actors but architects of emotions who weaved magic on screens, leaving indelible impressions on countless minds, including mine.
Aside from the stardust, it was India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's words that left me breathless: "Screen size may be shrinking, yet the scope is expanding infinitely."
A straightforward statement with profound implications. In our smartphone-centric, streaming-dominated era, the power to influence thoughts and emotions has never been more accessible - or more potent.
Modi urged the international community to "dream big and share your story," encouraging investors to prioritize human capital over mere platforms. He emphasized that creativity isn't a luxury; it's a force. And India, with its rich cultural heritage and fearless storytelling, is investing heavily in it - aiming to bolster its creative market to $50 billion by 2029.
Looking around, I found myself questioning Kazakhstan. We too have stories that sparkle beyond the steppe, narratives of poets, artists, innovators, and musicians. We possess the potential for cinematic excellence, deep-rooted traditions, and electrifying modernity. Yet, our creative sector lingers in slumber, remaining largely untouched.
Globally, creative services exports reached a staggering $1.4 trillion in 2022 - a 29% surge since 2017. Creative goods also surged, reaching $713 billion, up 19%. This isn't a niche market; it's the future.
Kazakhstan has begun to take notice, stepping into the limelight. However, I believe our progress must transcend policy footnotes. We need a comprehensive national strategy that elevates creativity as a crucial driver of economy, diplomacy, and connection.
Inspired by India's example, I envision a multi-pronged approach:
- Expand creative sector programs through existing structures like AIFC, incorporate impact investment frameworks, and create a dedicated Ministry or National Task Force.
- Leverage TUMO centers for digital design and filmmaking training, integrate creative entrepreneurship into curricula, and partner with programs like the British Council's online learning modules.
- Develop a "Creative Kazakhstan" brand to market traditional crafts, modern outputs, and host international summits emphasizing storytelling as a tool for soft power.
- Establish a creative industries fund offering grants, low-interest loans, and attract venture capital.
- Foster creative clusters, partner with global platforms, and refocus creative startups as high-potential tech ventures.
By addressing these aspects, we can transform our creative sector into a dynamic regional powerhouse driving economic growth, cultural preservation, and global influence. Let's wake up our creative sleeping giant and claim our place in the global storytelling landscape.
- In the bustle of Mumbai, a city pulsating with energy, I discovered a creative revolution that left me awestruck, similar to the excitement I get from watching movies-and-tv shows or playing golf.
- The grandeur of Shah Rukh Khan and Mithun Chakraborty, demigods of Indian cinema, was not just about acting; they were architects of emotions, much like the personal-growth and education-and-self-development resources that shape our lives.
- As we journey towards the future, influenced by technology and finance, storytelling holds the power to impact thoughts and emotions more significantly than ever before, akin to sports-betting or weather-forecasting.
- Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, underscored the significance of creativity, likening its impact to basketball, racing, or mixed-martial-arts tournaments.
- The international community is urged to invest in human capital and creativity, recognizing its potential as a force, akin to career-development and business opportunities.
- India aims to bolster its creative market to $50 billion by 2029, echoing the growth seen in sports, education, and other sectors.
- Kazakhstan's creative sector, though brimming with potential, remains largely untapped, much like the weather in Tennis matches or the unpredictability in racing.
- Creative services exports worldwide climbed to $1.4 trillion in 2022, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing this sector, just like the importance of forecasting the weather or refining our skills in sports-betting.
- To transcend our progress beyond policy footnotes, we need a comprehensive national strategy that uplifts creativity as a crucial driver of economy, diplomacy, and connection, much like the strategies employed in corporate businesses or learning-and-self-improvement plans.
- By adopting an integrated approach, such as expanding creative sector programs, leveraging digital resources, developing a brand, setting up a fund, fostering creative clusters, and partnering with global platforms, we can transform our creative sector into a regional powerhouse like the racing circuit or the financial market.
- As we awake our creative sleeping giant, we can claim our spot in the global storytelling landscape, leaving an indelible impression much like the cinematic brilliance of Shah Rukh Khan or the inspiring outlook of Narendra Modi.
