India, June 27 -- Talent has never been in short supply. Across countries and generations, artists, writers, musicians and performers have emerged with remarkable ability, often despite limited resources and little institutional support. Yet talent alone rarely determines success. More often, it is the ecosystem surrounding creativity-the opportunities to learn, collaborate, receive mentorship and access financial support-that shapes whether artistic potential flourishes or quietly fades away.

For decades, creative careers have been viewed through the narrow lens of commercial viability. Questions about earnings, job security and return on investment frequently overshadow conversations about cultural contribution. While these concerns ar...