The economy remains a rationalising tool for explaining the condition of the artist, both for professional and for experts, even when this implies a form of dissociation between the artist and the economist. Focusing on the relationship between art and the market removes entire sections of the social imagination and aesthetic sides linked to art. This two-volume ethnographic work provides answers to what appears to be a mysterious phenomenon, young people's vocation for art, by focusing on real-life situations and testimonials in a critical perspective.

This first volume explores young artists’ lives and young people's artistic aspirations through their own eyes, exploring the education and career trajectories of artists in a variety of creative fields. The influence of entrepreneurship and the types of ‘entrepreneurial life’ that are now expected of  artistic careers are described and interpreted. It will be of great interest to scholars and students of the arts economy, work and employment and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Elen Riot is a Full Professor in the Laboratoire d’Économie Dyonisien (LED) in the Université de Paris 8-Vincennes, France. Her research explores strategy, art and representations.