Aquarium Mermaids: Multiskilled Entrepreneurs in the Creative Economy

Abstract

Since 2011, multiskilled “entreployees” have navigated the creative economy and forged employment for themselves in aquariums around the world. These mermaid performers plunge into tanks and portray chimerical “belonging” in the aquatic environment. While mermaid shows can easily be debunked as gimmicky commercial entertainment that exploits female sexuality, performers display exceptional skills and not only instill belief in mermaids in young visitors, but also raise awareness about ecological issues.