Self-realisation and culture

It may be because of my current environment and circle of acquaintances but it seems to me like near half of people my age these days does something or other with art - music, photography, painting, writing, games and clothes making and other forms of cultural expression. My dad thinks it is because self-realisation is emphasised so much in today's neoliberal society. That folds back on one of my earlier posts, self-realisation being just another aspect of the emphasis on the malleability of the individual. It's the idea that you should live up to the full potential of your creativity and ability.