Abstract:

Purpose:
The aim of this paper is to help the DIY artist to improve their management skills by looking at organizational theories of managing change, creativity and innovation. This will be achieved by analysing how the DIY artist can apply these theories to manage small-scale creative projects in local art communities.

Design/methodology/approach:
The research methodology consists of case studies, focus groups and semi-structured interviews including artists, managers and students from the creative industries.

Findings:
The three main areas of managing change, creativity and innovation can help the DIY artist towards an understanding of how to be self-sustainable working on small-scale creative projects.

Research limitations/implications:
Many artists and managers continue in their struggle to be independently sustainable, therefore it is necessary to continue this research on a wider scale.

Practical implications:
By gaining more in-depth knowledge of managing change, creativity and innovation, artists and managers can understand more about how to manage their own creative projects.

Social implications:
Through a strong DIY ethic, with an emphasis on change, creativity and innovation, the managerial process helps to identify the value of self-management and sustainability for the DIY artist.

Originality/value:
The paper discusses issues of sustainability and application of organizational theories within local art communities from the perspective of the DIY artist, which is a new area of academic research.

Keywords:

DIY artist, managing change, managing creativity, managing innovation.