A Story Club: Global Politics S2 E9
streamed live on FB from the US (San Francisco), India (Dehra Dun) and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, Thursdays 12pm EDT | 9am PDT | 9:30pm IST
repeated Friday on the UNC Network in Trinidad and Tobago 6pm AST

The global culture industry is one of the world's most lucrative. Some of the world's largest and most powerful companies operate in this sphere, and it even forms a part of a country's geo-political "soft power".

At the same time, because it is based on individual human creativity -- and not natural resources, wealth, or size -- there are unique opportunities for outsider individuals, small countries, marginal groups, or otherwise relatively "powerless" people to participate and succeed in this industry.

Digital technology, as well, although deployed by the most powerful corporations in the world in their massive corporate businesses, also provides a way for individuals, small or marginal populations and even countries, to participate in the very centre.

The culture industry has been deeply affected by the lockdowns following the covid-19 outbreak, and has made digital technology even more important. In some ways, this may have even levelled the playing field somewhat, and put the largest and smallest producers of culture on a more equal footing.

This week I am joined by two guests who have fascinating stories and projects in the global culture industry and insights to share.

Akim Millington is part of the Grammy Award-Winning CEEK Virtual Reality Founding Team, Former New Orleans Saint (NFL) Offensive Lineman, and a BIG XII Champion.  CEEK VR pioneered Virtual Reality technology in entertainment. They have worked with the biggest stars in the music industry, from Bon Jovi, to Rihanna, to Megadeth to Ziggy Marley, Mariah Carey etc.

Rubadiri Victor is President at Artists' Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT), the lead Creative Industry and Cultural Sector representative organization in T&T. He is also a Multi-Media Artist in film, music, painting, theatre, Mas, photography, writing/publishing, & curating/design.