Product Description

This work reveals how economic globalization affects decision-making in cultural matters worldwide, specifically in the field of arts. It looks at the theoretical and practical implications of economic globalization on the creation, production, distribution, promotion and reception of all forms of the arts in all parts of the world. The impact of cultural conglomerates on local institutions and activities is huge. Ownership is now the core issue in a worldwide battle for mass audiences. Joost Smiers proposes radical alternatives to this steady convergence under ever-widening corporate umbrellas, to restore and develop cultural diversity, enrich the public domain and be beneficial to the arts and artists of the Third World. He advocates the abolition of copyright which has become one of the most important commercial products of the 21st century and which he argues no longer protects the interests of the majority of the creative artists. He proposes a new international treaty on Cultural Diversity, to enable countries to reduce the market domination of cultural industries and to formulate their own cultural policies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #534815 in Books
• Published on: 2003-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
'This book is urgently needed. As a result of the processes of globalisation basic cultural rights are seriously endangered. Joost Smiers analyzes this threat in a lucid and competent manner. He offers strong arguments for the protection of cultural diversity and challenges the reader to re-think the domain of intellectual property rights.' - Professor Cees J. Hamelink, Universiteit van Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam 'Urbane in perspective, and comprehensive in its documentation of the new manifestations of copyright in the age of globalization, Joost Smiers' critical reflections on arts under pressure are counterpointed by a very genuine concern for the lives of artists worldwide.' - Rustom Bharucha, theatre director, Calcutta, and author of The Politics of Cultural Practice 'When arts are under pressure, cultural identity and creative diversity are threatened. In the complex world of trade regulations, national and international legislation it is easy to get confused. Joost Smiers guides the reader and points out how important it is that the language of economists doesn't take over the whole world. Arts under Pressure is an impressive book with massive information. It ought to become the 'No Logo' of cultural research.' - Ole Reitov, Director, Arts and Cultural Support, Danish Centre for Culture and Development (DCCD)

About the Author
DR JOOST SMIERS is director of The Centre for Research, Utrecht School of the Arts, The Netherlands, and visiting professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a co-founder and board member of the European Research Institute for Comparative Cultural Policy and the Arts (ERICArts). He has written, lectured and researched extensively in the area of decision making in cultural matters worldwide, and on copyright.