Arts Under Pressure: Protecting Cultural Diversity in the Age of Globalisation [Paperback]

Joost Smiers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2003

Arts Under Pressure analyzes the relevant forces behind decision-making in cultural matters worldwide, specifically in the field of the arts, under the influence of economic globalization. The book deals with all the arts, in all parts of the world, focusing on the cycle of creation, production, distribution, promotion, reception, and influence. It asks the key questions: who has the power to decide what reaches audiences in what quantities, with what contents, and surrounded by what kinds of ambiences? The author claims that mass culture does not exist; what exists are artistic creations that are produced, distributed and promoted on a mass scale.

Editorial Reviews

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

Joost Smiers is Director of The Centre for Research, Utrecht School of the Arts, the Netherlands, and Visiting Professor in the Department of World Arts and Cultures, UCLA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zed Books (October 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842772635
• ISBN-13: 978-1842772638
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,015,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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