ElevenThirtySix

Welcome to this week’s news digest, where we explore the intersections of creativity, resilience, and global influence. Read all of this week's stories here: https://buff.ly/4eSc4wx ??? America’s News Influencers (Pew Research Center) A Pew Research Center report reveals that 40% of U.S. adults under 30 get their news from social media influencers, with most lacking traditional journalism backgrounds. These influencers provide fresh perspectives on civic issues, particularly resonating with younger audiences. ??? Palestinian Artists Plan Gaza Biennale as ‘Act of Resistance’ (The Guardian) Amidst ongoing bombardment, 50 Palestinian artists in Gaza are organizing a biennale to showcase their work locally and globally. Despite the challenges of crossing siege lines, they aim to spotlight the resilience of Gaza’s 2.3 million people. ??? UK Faces ‘Talent Drain’ of Visual Artists (The Guardian) A report shows UK visual artists’ earnings have dropped 40% since 2010, pushing many to consider leaving for better opportunities in the EU. Factors include funding cuts, inflation, and the rise of AI, with median annual income at a stark ￡12,500. ??? The UAE Emerges as Africa’s Investment Superpower (WSJ) The UAE is reshaping Africa’s economic landscape, investing billions in farmland, ports, and infrastructure to secure its post-oil future. This growing influence often outpaces major players like China and the U.S., earning both allies and critics. ??? Remembering Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow, UNESCO’s Visionary Leader (The Art Newspaper) Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow, the first sub-Saharan African to lead UNESCO, championed solidarity and equal dignity among cultures. His tenure expanded UNESCO’s membership and brought newly independent nations into its fold, leaving a lasting global legacy.

Smart is cool. But creativity makes it fun. #CreativityUnleashed. #SundayQuotes #BeCreative #Creativity

Research shows that #GenZ Americans are experiencing record-high levels of job stability #anxiety. 37% of #GenZers experience anxiety around losing their jobs, compared to 35% for #Millennials and Gen X, and only 11% for Baby Boomers. These numbers show a considerable cultural and societal shift, which, according to the American Staffing Association, directly impacts possibilities of #career mobility, and reduces prospects, notably of financial stability for a growing number of individuals and their families. ?? What’s the takeaway for organizations? With job instability and financial pressures being the reality for many young people in the U.S, highlighting your organization as a space for people to find #community, and learn how to navigate these challenging times could be a great way to renew your audience’s engagement and affirm your values. Consider proposing resources, panels, and connections that speak to the future they aspire to, through relevant programming, and events. Source: The American Staffing Association #CulturalTrends #GenZInsights #MillenialInsights #ElevenThirtySix

Have you heard the term #painmoons or grief tourism? These concepts refer to the intentional exploration or acknowledgment of grief, whether personal or collective, in ways that foster healing, connection, or reflection. The idea behind pain moons—akin to a “honeymoon” for grief—is about setting aside time to deeply process loss. #Grief tourism extends this notion, involving individuals seeking experiences or spaces designed to engage with #loss and its emotional aftermath. Searches for painmoons and grief tourism have risen 23% between 2023 and 2024, highlighting a growing societal interest in breaking the #silence around grief and the #isolation it often brings. This trend reflects a #cultural shift toward prioritizing emotional well-being and #community-based healing. How Organizations, Businesses and Institutions Can Respond: With the rise in grief tourism, organizations, institutions, and businesses have a unique opportunity to create meaningful spaces for healing and mutual support and to integrate it into their current work. Here’s how: 1?? Break the Stigma: Host programs featuring community experts or artists who explore themes of grief and healing through their work. 2?? Create Connection: Offer virtual or in-person community meet-ups led by wellness practitioners, focusing on guided discussions and shared experiences. 3?? Raise Awareness: Develop social campaigns emphasizing the importance of communal grieving and providing resources to help individuals find the right communities for their needs. At ElevenThirtySix, we specialize in tracking cultural shifts like this and helping organizations adapt their offerings to resonate with evolving audience priorities. Let us help you craft experiences that meet your community where they are. #CulturalTrends #GenZInsights #MillennialInsights #ItsElevenThirtySix Source: Popsugar

This week’s roundup covers compelling stories across arts, culture, and media that illuminate the intersections of creativity, commerce, and influence. From an urgent call to decommodify culture to the evolution of Ghana’s art scene, here’s what’s making waves. Read more: https://buff.ly/4fOhN7C 1. Culture Beyond Commodification (The Art Newspaper) A new publication by cultural economy professor Justin O’Connor argues for the decommodification of culture, urging its return to the public sphere. O’Connor highlights the stagnation of creative industries and calls for a reimagining of culture’s societal value. 2. Hip-Hop and Fashion: What’s Next (The Business of Fashion) The once-dominant cultural and commercial power of hip-hop in fashion is facing new challenges as the space becomes increasingly saturated. Brands like Golf Wang and Cactus Jack thrive, but the competition demands more creativity and storytelling from artists. 3. YouTube’s Podcast Domination (WSJ) YouTube has become the leading platform for podcasts in the U.S., surpassing Spotify and Apple with its massive reach. With 150 million people watching YouTube on their TVs monthly in the U.S., it’s redefining how and where people consume content. 4. Journalism’s Changing Landscape (NYT and Axios) Newsletter platforms like beehiiv and Substack are reshaping journalism amidst industry turmoil. These platforms offer a lifeline for journalists seeking independence and audiences craving niche, high-quality content. 5. Accra Cultural Week and Ghana’s Art Scene (The Art Newspaper) Ghana’s art scene is no longer emerging—it has arrived. The third annual Accra Cultural Week spotlighted the country’s dynamic artistic talent, drawing global figures from institutions like the Tate and Sotheby’s.

?? The Spiral of Silence communications theory reveals a hidden truth about decision-making: silence can distort reality. When people think their opinions are unpopular, they stay quiet—even if others secretly agree. For organizations, this creates blind spots that can derail decisions and strategies. Here’s where it shows up: 1?? Team Discussions: If certain voices dominate meetings, quieter team members may hesitate to share dissenting or innovative ideas, leading to groupthink. 2?? Audience Engagement: Organizations might assume the loudest feedback represents the majority, missing key insights from underrepresented or silent audience segments. 3?? Crisis Management: During high-pressure moments, silence from stakeholders can signal fear, not agreement—leaving leadership unprepared for unseen challenges. ?? The fix? Build cultures and strategies that encourage open dialogue. Actively seek input from quieter voices and question dominant narratives to uncover the full truth. Louder isn’t always wiser. Effective leaders and organizations listen beyond the noise. #BetterDecisions #SpiralOfSilence #StrategicLeadership #Community #CommunityBuilding

As polarization deepens, younger generations are rewriting social norms around political conversations. Nearly half of Gen Z voters (48%) in the U.S. have admitted to hiding or lying about their voting choices, compared to 38% of Millennials, 17% of Gen Xers, and just 6% of Boomers. This reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing personal harmony and avoiding conflict, especially in workplaces and social settings. ?? What’s the takeaway for organizations? The cultural landscape is evolving, and brands need to adapt. Messaging that respects individual privacy and frames engagement as a personal, meaningful act—rather than a public declaration—will resonate more deeply with younger audiences. It’s about fostering connection through subtlety and understanding. At ElevenThirtySix, we specialize in navigating these cultural dynamics, helping organizations fine-tune their approach to meet people where they are—authentically and thoughtfully. #CulturalTrends #GenZInsights #CommunicationsStrategy #ElevenThirtySix Source: Axios Vibes survey by The Harris Poll https://buff.ly/48r2T4S

Drawing from Dr. John Demartini's insights, individuals, and therefore organizations, can achieve their greatest impact by prioritizing actions that align with their core #values. In a world full of distractions, strategic focus on what truly matters allows individuals and teams to build meaningful connections, advance their mission, and serve their communities with purpose. ? What high-priority actions are you focusing on today? #PurposeDriven #StrategicFocus #ValuesAlignment #community #buildingcommunity

Think about this: simply posting programs or event details might inform people, but it doesn’t inspire them. Why? Because people crave perspective—they want to know the why and how behind the what you do, and how it encourages, inspires, or educates them. When #organizations go beyond just delivering information and start sharing their unique, mission-aligned perspectives they build stronger #connections with their #communities. Audiences want to see the world through their eyes, to understand the values, inspirations, and missions driving each event or initiative. So, next time you post, ask yourself: am I just sharing information, or am I offering a perspective that connects?

As we approach and reflect on the significance of Election Day, we recognize that this moment is just one part of a larger journey toward lasting change and community strength. This document offers guidance on how organizations can respond with resilience, compassion, and purpose, reinforcing that Election Day is neither the beginning nor the end of your work. https://lnkd.in/eK_4k8wu