Is the cultural sector a bubble about to burst?

The article critically examines the exponential growth of Italy's cultural and creative industries (ICC), warning that the sector risks becoming an unsustainable bubble. It argues that the expansion of culture into all aspects of life—from work to leisure—has been driven by an 'totalizing ambition' that conflates culture with mere content. The author highlights that while the ICC cluster now accounts for significant economic value, much of this growth is based on abstract classifications, such as including video games and software under 'culture.' Citing data from the Italian SPCC report, the article notes that video games and software alone contribute €14 billion, versus €4.2 billion for performing and visual arts. The piece cautions that young people are entering the field with unrealistic expectations, lured by inflated numbers, while accepting lower wages and precarious conditions. It calls for intellectual honesty and warns against shortcuts that could cause the 'dream' to collapse like a soap bubble.