Young Entrepreneurs and Creative Collectives: Greek New Media Workers in Constant Crisis

Abstract

European Union (EU) and national cultural policies promote the new media industries as drivers of sustainable economic development. Their contribution may be particularly necessary in Greece, suffering fiscal crisis and high levels of unemployment. Yet little is known about the nature and conditions of Greek new media work. Michailidou and Kostala examine experiences and responses of two groups of Greek new media workers—‘Young Entrepreneurs’ and ‘Creative Collectives’—to precarious project work and the decline of traditional workplaces, boundaries, and identities. Some new media workers have become entrepreneurs; others have adopted more socialised ways of working. It is unclear whether either practice will be sustainable in the longer term