Tech Parents: Pushing Kids Towards Arts Careers

In an unexpected turn, parents working in the tech industry are increasingly encouraging their children to pursue careers in the arts. This shift, driven by various factors, is reshaping the future of creative industries and presenting both opportunities and challenges.



The growing interest in the arts among tech parents can be attributed to several motivations. Firstly, tech parents value creativity and innovation, which are essential skills in both the tech and arts industries. By encouraging their children to explore the arts, they foster these skills, making them more adaptable to the ever-changing job market. Secondly, careers in the arts are not limited to traditional roles. Many arts graduates find employment in various fields, including tech, marketing, and education. This broad applicability aligns with the current job market trends, where versatility and adaptability are highly valued. Lastly, tech parents may also want their children to pursue careers that bring them personal fulfillment and happiness. A career in the arts can provide this, as it allows individuals to express their creativity and connect with others on a deeper level.

The increasing interest in the arts among tech parents is likely to have a significant impact on the future of creative industries, presenting both opportunities and challenges. One opportunity is the increased engagement and participation in arts and cultural activities. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, 25 million people in the UK engaged with arts and culture online in 2020, indicating a growing interest in digital arts and culture (POSTnote, 2021). This increased engagement can lead to a larger and more diverse audience for creative industries.

Another opportunity is technological innovation in the arts. Tech parents bring a unique perspective to the arts, fostering innovation and the integration of technology into creative practices. For instance, the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in art exhibitions and performances has become more prevalent, attracting tech-savvy audiences (POSTnote, 2021). Cross-sector collaboration between arts and technology can also lead to beneficial outcomes, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company's use of digital technology to engage audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic (POSTnote, 2021).

However, the shift towards the arts among tech parents also presents challenges. One challenge is the digital divide, which can limit access to digital resources and cultural participation for some families. This can lead to a widening gap in cultural engagement and may exacerbate existing inequalities (POSTnote, 2021). Additionally, implementing digital technologies and research and development (R&D) in the arts can be costly, posing a challenge for smaller organizations and freelancers. This can limit the ability of some creative practitioners to use technology effectively (POSTnote, 2021). Lastly, pre-existing inequalities in the creative sector can hinder the ability of some practitioners to use technology, as they may face barriers related to their background, race, or gender. Addressing these pre-existing inequalities is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and innovative arts industry (POSTnote, 2021).

In conclusion, the increasing interest in the arts among tech parents presents both opportunities and challenges for the future of creative industries. By embracing technological innovation and cross-sector collaboration, the arts can attract a larger and more diverse audience. However, it is essential to address the digital divide, financial barriers, and pre-existing inequalities to ensure that the benefits of this shift are accessible to all. educational institutions play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating the transition of tech-savvy students into the arts by adapting their curricula to meet the evolving needs of these students. By integrating technology into arts curricula, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration, and providing access to technology and resources, educational institutions can better support and facilitate the transition of tech-savvy students into the arts.