The Creative Catalyst program is easily one of the most anticipated parts of the Asian Creative & Digital Economy Youth Summit (ACE-YS). Its debut last year saw not only excitement, but also robust cultural as well as knowledge exchange among creatives coming from all over ASEAN+3 countries.
The result? A lasting and meaningful network of young creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders in the Asian creative and digital economy scene.
This year, ACE-YS is bringing back the well-loved program, inviting Asian creators and creative industry activists alike to participate. Viandira Athia, Head of Creative Catalyst 2024, is here to tell us all we need to know about the upcoming program. Enjoy!
Hi! Could you tell us more about yourself and how you got involved in the field of creative economy in the first place?
I’m Viandira, or you can call me Caca for short. I started working in the creative industries as a volunteer in an art festival since… 2015!
Although my background is marketing, now I find joy in working with the creative sector especially when I get to meet amazing creative practitioners from various sectors and people with the same passion of developing the industry. These experiences led me to the decision to take creative industries and cultural policy for my masters degree, and I’m glad to say I got the chance to apply and adapt what I learned directly with ACE-YS.
So, what is Creative Catalyst?
Creative Catalyst is a place for people who have the ambition to create a vibrant and sustainable environment within the creative economy sector. Especially for youth (which luckily I am still categorized as one!) to have the time to shine in voicing their perspectives, and getting access towards investment and funding.
What do you wish this program could achieve? What’s the end game?
I hope that this program can be a way for anyone in the creative and digital industry to connect and to have a shared understanding about the need to advance this industry especially when most of us are working in silos. Furthermore, we’re looking to create a sustained creative business and initiatives that will prove how valuable the industry is.
In the Creative Catalyst program, there are two sub-programs, namely ‘Delegates’ & ‘Creators’. What sets these roles apart from each other?
Delegates are expected to be the sustainable action resulted by the voices of those within the creative industry’s ecosystem, bridging the gap between various actors within the creative ecosystem. While on the other hand, Creators consists of creativepreneurs and community leaders seeking for any kind of support and fund to improve their businesses or initiatives.
That’s very interesting! Then, who can apply in the Creative Catalyst program? Are there any specific qualifications needed?
This program is open for anyone who is active in the creative and digital economy sector, aged 18-35, and is a citizen of Asian countries.
So, if you’re a young policy maker, individual creative practitioner, creative entrepreneurs or community leaders, and are PASSIONATE in advocating issues within the creative and digital sector, register now and I can’t wait to meet you all!
What are the perks of participating in ACE-YS 2024 as a Creative Catalyst delegate or creator?
In addition to networking and discussions with each of the creative players, Delegates will have the opportunity to establish an Action Plan, which shows their tangible contribution to the industry.
Youth are the ones who are going to be impacted the most by policies that are created, and by voicing your perspectives and creating collaboration between sectors and countries, we will have the chance to influence the policies that are being shaped.
Meanwhile, Creators will have better access to meet potential investors, funding institutions, and local or foreign collaborators! They can also get exclusive access to other ACE-YS’ programmes as the participant and/or speaker.
What excites you the most about Creative Catalyst 2024? Is there any difference between this year’s Creative Catalyst compared to its debut run in 2023?
Creative Catalyst 2024 will have some new programs to look forward to!
For the Creators Route, we’ll be having a Pitching 101 session where we will facilitate creators and creative entrepreneurs in preparing their pitch before meeting potential investors or funders. Meanwhile, those participating in the Delegates Route will work together to establish an Action Plan!
Sounds awesome! Say, I want to apply for Creative Catalyst 2024, what are the requirements and where to apply? How could I increase my chances of getting accepted in the program?
The more you use social networking sites, LinkedIn for example, to promote and enhance your own works, the better your chances of being selected by us.
So get on it and boost your profile! Don’t forget to always have a look at our Instagram account (@ace.youthsummit) and our website at ace-ys.org, as there will be a lot of handy information that you’ll need.
Last but not least, could you share a few words for anyone out there who’s interested in applying in ACE-YS Creative Catalyst 2024?
Don’t miss this opportunity to network and gain valuable insights!
Creative Catalyst empowers young creators to innovate and influence the creative industry—by connecting them with key stakeholders and resources, this program fosters a supportive environment for the growth of Asia’s creative industry. We encourage you to be a part of the change. Don’t forget to keep an eye out on our social media, because the Creative Catalyst registration is officially open on August 1, 2024!
Writer : Ramos M.Y. Siahaan
Editor : K. Langit Rinesti
