Identity
Martina Plati
Who Belongs in the “Creative” Economy? Class, Belonging, and Access in Membership Co-working Spaces
My name is Martina Plati, and I am a fourth-year Professional Communications student, completing a minor in Public Relations and Fashion. I am deeply passionate about creative communities and creating spaces where people can connect through shared interests. Whether it’s fitness, art, or media, I enjoy initiating conversations that bring people together and foster meaningful connections within the city.
A highlight of my undergraduate experience was studying abroad during my exchange semester. Traveling and living in a new environment allowed me to explore media and communications from a global perspective, exposing me to diverse cultural approaches, creative industries, and storytelling practices. This experience broadened my perspective on audience engagement and reinforced my understanding of communication as a powerful tool for connecting people across different backgrounds.
Through my communications degree, I have developed strong skills in strategic messaging, audience engagement, and project coordination, foundations that directly support a career in event production. From managing logistics to curating experiences and facilitating meaningful interactions, I am equipped to bring creative ideas to life in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. Looking ahead, I strive to build a career in event production within industries centered around fitness, fashion, and live entertainment, where I can merge my creativity with my passion for community-building to create impactful and engaging experiences.
Co-working spaces are often promoted as open, creative hubs where anyone can collaborate, connect, and thrive, but who actually feels like they belong in these environments? This research explores how co-working membership spaces shape participation in the creative economy, with a focus on class, access, and belonging.
Drawing on a qualitative, thematic analysis of academic literature and social media content (TikTok), this study uncovers a clear gap between how these spaces are marketed and how they are experienced. While branding emphasizes creativity and community, these ideas are often framed through productivity, professionalism, and economic value, appealing most to those who already see themselves as part of a “creative class”. The findings also reveal that access is shaped by more than just cost. Cultural expectations, social networks, and even the atmosphere of these spaces can make them feel exclusive or out of reach.
At its core, this research asks a simple question: if creativity is supposed to be for everyone, why do these spaces only feel open to a few?
Lightning Talk
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