Over the past year, the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman University has been hard at work on an exciting project that we are thrilled to finally be able to tell you about! The Center for CCI has secured a contract with Bloomsbury Press to create a series of books on the Creative and Cultural Industries.
Center for Creative and Cultural Industries Director, Dr. Patrick Fuery and CCI Professor, Dr. Kelli Fuery, will serve as series editors for this groundbreaking collection, which will explore CCI from fresh and innovative perspectives. Since CCI is inherently interdisciplinary, the series will delve into connections across established fields like film, media, museums, fashion, music, dance, and design, while also tackling emerging areas such as AI, social media, creative placemaking, gaming, and creative thinking.
The central question driving this series: Where is CCI headed next?
We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, as it positions the Center for CCI as a major research leader across a wide range of disciplines, both nationally and globally. The series already boasts an impressive lineup of renowned authors from around the world, including the U.S., UK, France, China, Australia, Italy, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, Canada, and the Global South.
I had the chance to sit down with founding director Dr. Patrick Fuery to get the inside scoop—what this means for students, how we can get involved, why Bloomsbury, and so much more. Check out the full conversation below!
ER: Let’s kick things off with the big question: Why a book series?
PF: It all started with a desire to address how underrepresented CCI (Creative and Cultural Industries) is in the United States. I had an existing connection with my editor in New York, who primarily focuses on film and media. I pitched the idea because, while CCI is well-established in places like Europe, Australia, and China, it hasn’t yet gained the same recognition here. This felt like the perfect opportunity to create a series that introduces American universities and the general public to the significance and potential of CCI.
In developing the series, I’ve been deliberate about involving U.S.-based contributors and building a broad editorial board to create strong ties to the American academic landscape. So far, I’ve secured a few contributors, mainly from the East Coast, along with an emeritus professor from USC who now lives in Paris. My ultimate goal is to foster connections like these while increasing CCI’s visibility and impact in the U.S.
ER: What inspired the concept behind this book series, and what do you hope it will achieve?
PF: The goal of the series is to push the boundaries of what CCI represents and explore how the field might evolve. While it will address traditional themes you’d expect—like Disney as a CCI example—it will also dive into bold and groundbreaking ideas that challenge conventional perspectives.
I’ve connected with over 30 CCI experts worldwide, all of whom have published influential work in the field. The response has been incredibly positive, with contributors from countries such as England, Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, China, Spain, and Italy. This diverse mix of perspectives and expertise ensures the series will be a dynamic and innovative exploration of CCI’s present and future.
ER: Why Bloomsbury out of all the publishers out there?
PF: It comes down to their unparalleled global reach. With offices in the U.S., UK, Europe, and Australia, Bloomsbury is perfectly positioned to showcase the international scope of CCI (Creative and Cultural Industries). This series isn’t just about covering familiar ground—it’s about tackling areas where CCI is significant but often overlooked. Take the Global South, for instance, which is a key focus. We’re lucky to have contributors on board who bring expertise in these regions, including one who’s already written a groundbreaking book on CCI in the Global South and is likely to add even more depth to the series.
Bloomsbury’s track record also played a big role in the decision. They’ve had tremendous success with accessible, engaging series like Object Lessons and the BFI series, which resonate with a wide audience. Their commitment to balancing global reach with niche projects makes them the perfect partner for what we’re trying to achieve with this initiative.
ER: What ideas are brewing for the series?
PF: We’re aiming to publish three books a year, possibly four, with a total of 33 books commissioned for the series. The proposed topics are as exciting as they are diverse. One contributor is diving into AI, another is exploring wearable fashion, and a researcher from Spain is focusing on mazes and labyrinths—a truly unique angle that I’m particularly excited about. The AI-focused project is moving forward soon, and I’m hopeful the mazes book will follow. We also have a researcher who’s written an exceptional book on CCI and race lined up to contribute. This mix of innovative topics and global contributors guarantees the series will not only push boundaries but also reflect the dynamic, ever-evolving landscape of CCI.
ER: Could students pursue this as an independent study?
PF: Absolutely! We could even consider running a small class—about 15 students—where they actively participate in the project. This would be a fantastic opportunity for those interested in publishing to engage with the creative process behind a series like this. Bloomsbury, known for their success with major works like Harry Potter, has the resources to fund niche projects like ours. It’s a brilliant model, balancing blockbuster titles with academic works that remain financially sustainable. I’d love to find ways for students to contribute creatively, whether it's through alternative cover designs or exploring concepts for future books. We could also invite professionals from Bloomsbury to speak to the class about the publishing process.
Additionally, these books would make excellent teaching tools. They're small, accessible, and written by experts, which makes them perfect for academic settings. Similar series have been successfully integrated into classrooms, and I’m confident this one can be, too. The series’ focus on CCI will help raise awareness in the U.S., which makes it especially valuable in this context. Having a series like this tied to a program is a rare privilege. Bloomsbury has committed significant resources to it, and the approval process was an extraordinary effort that involved multiple editors across New York and London, with input from many teams.
Their excitement about the project was clear, and their editors even advocated for specific topics, like fashion, ensuring the series covers a broad range of fields. Students could study these books as part of their coursework, exploring topics like mazes and labyrinths or AI in CCI, which could serve as sub-themes within a class. This would provide students not only with academic insight but hands-on experience in the publishing process, offering a unique perspective into the creative industries.
ER: If students are passionate about this, could they get involved?
PF: Absolutely! We could start involving students as early as next semester, although it might take some time to gain momentum. Since the authors already involved have written multiple books, the pace should pick up quickly. By Fall 2025, we’ll be able to bring students into the process more directly. By Spring 2026, they might even contribute ideas for future book topics. Students have a unique ability to bring fresh perspectives to the series, often pinpointing what’s missing or what’s truly intriguing within CCI. For example, I’m currently supervising an independent study with a student exploring interior design, a fascinating and somewhat overlooked aspect of CCI. In the past, I worked with a student on women in sports, specifically focusing on inequities—a nuanced and important topic I hadn’t considered before. These examples highlight how students can bring unique ideas to the table, making their involvement in this series both meaningful and impactful.
ER: How will Chapman students engage with authors in the book series?
PF: Students could engage with authors by conducting interviews or creating podcasts that explore the authors' work, process, and inspiration. These interactions would offer valuable connections and firsthand insights into the field. For example, an author writing about Disney could connect students to industry networks, while others might share fresh perspectives from around the world. Additionally, this project would give students exposure to the modern publishing process—going beyond just printing books to exploring marketing, social media, and maintaining coherence in a global series. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with real-world challenges, push the boundaries of CCI, and build professional relationships and practical skills.
This series is fascinating for several reasons. Its primary goal is to raise awareness of CCI in the U.S. and expand its influence beyond its current boundaries. What makes this series unique is its aim to reimagine CCI—both in its present form and its potential future. We’ll explore key issues within CCI, how it’s evolving, and how it addresses major challenges of the 21st century. Topics will include fashion as resistance, creative thinking, the role of indigenous cultures in CCI, sustainability, and cultural diplomacy. We’ll also offer fresh perspectives on cultural institutions like the Getty, the Tate, Disney, the Academy Awards, and cultural identity on social media. This initiative is a significant step toward establishing us as a globally recognized research center and is part of a larger strategy to create a national network that raises awareness of CCI’s importance. These books will appeal to a broad audience—from academics and students to the general public—providing a great opportunity to showcase our program and engage both researchers and students with the dynamic ideas at the heart of CCI. It’s a privilege to have these books as part of the university, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.
If you're interested in getting involved in this exciting project, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Patrick Fuery fuery@chapman.edu to learn more and become a part of this wonderful initiative.
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