Cultivating Cultural Capital: Artist Professionalism among Arts Graduates in Indonesia within the Sustainable Development Goals Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/ajac.2026.129Keywords:
Cultural capital, Artist professionalism, Arts graduates, Sustainable development goalsAbstract
This study addresses the low legitimacy and professionalism of artists in Indonesia, particularly among arts graduates, which impacts economic stability, social cohesion, and psychological well-being. The purpose of this research is to analyze how the development of artist professionalism can be strengthened through the utilization and integrity of cultural capital in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs a qualitative approach using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving artists, academics, and members of art communities from five Indonesian art universities. The findings indicate that artist professionalism is shaped through the integration of cultural capital—embodied, objectified, and institutionalized—which enhances creative capacity, social legitimacy, emotional well-being, and economic competitiveness. The results demonstrate that the integrity of cultural capital, as a manifestation of artist professionalism, directly contributes to artists’ mental well-being and the sustainability of creative ecosystems, as well as by strengthening the role of the arts in building inclusive and empowered cultural communities. Consequently, the development of sustainable-oriented professionalism among arts graduates not only enhances the competitiveness of the cultural sector but also positions the arts as a key pillar of national development, making a tangible contribution to the achievement of the SDGs.
Highlights
• Artist professionalism among arts graduates is strengthened through the integration of cultural capital, including embodied, objectified, and institutionalized cultural capital.
• The integrity of cultural capital enhances artists’ creative capacity, social legitimacy, emotional well-being, and economic competitiveness.
• A qualitative approach using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) reveals strategies for developing sustainable artist professionalism.
• Higher arts education plays a strategic role in fostering ethical artistic professionalism, creative entrepreneurship, and cultural sustainability.
• Artist professionalism contributes to mental well-being, strengthens creative ecosystems, and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
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