The important role of artists in the copyright debates was emphasized more than once at the World Copyright Summit. Without a doubt, there was agreement that if artists did not create and share those creations with the general public, then most everyone at that conference would be out of a job.

Except the artists, of course.

The truth is, creativity will never go away. Creative people – artists, entrepreneurs, pioneers, innovators – will always be part of society. It was creative people who came to this continent, figured out how to tame an uncultivated land and build a nation. That same fervor spurs creative people to move into many unwanted territories and stake new claims. It is creative people who generate new technologies, new business models, and give our minds something to chomp on every time we go to a museum, concert, or movie.

Frank Stella, an important American Minimalist painter and sculptor, spoke passionately at the Summit about the role of creators within society. He suggested that, though society has changed a lot over the years and that new distribution models exist for creative works, the role of the artist has not changed.

“It’s the same process for every artist. He gets up in the morning and has to make something. He has to make it happen. It’s a simple process.”

If the artist does not create work that is “significant and meaningful” then he will be left behind. He will not be a part of the debates, and society will quickly dismiss the importance of his contribution to its overall health and well-being. It is this devaluing of artistic contributions to society that threatens the livelihood of artists.

It is important, however, “from the perspective of the artistic and cultural communities to respect the value of what artists do” said Mr. Stella adding that “images that artists make are important and it’s important to keep them.”

It goes without saying that society today is built upon the actions and reactions of yesterday. In addition, the preservation of many cultural contributions of yesterday is important for both general development as well as historical scholarship.

So, what can artists do to help preserve the importance of their works?

They need personal integrity. They need to know at what point they should be concerned about creating t-shirts or creating art that is an “expression of pure feeling.” How many new business models can an artist embrace before he becomes embarrassed by his actions? (For those readers from the art world, the question of “selling-out” is probably all too familiar to you).

They need artistic integrity. “Imitation has never been that popular or successful,” Mr. Stella said. “Art will still be driven by innovation.”

They need to be mobilized. Artists can mobilize around issues of protest. They can rally together for issues that they find of value. And, now more than ever, artists need to mobilize around issues of protection. (For interested artists and creators, get involved with the Copyright Alliance).

They need to embrace new models. And, finally, Mr. Stella suggested a new business model for artistic protection. Artists should be able to buy a little electronic chip at art stores. They can put these chips on their works of art. That way, they can track their art and know where it moves and what happens to it.

My best advice to artists who are reading this, and I hope that Mr. Stella would agree, is to get involved, and speak up for the importance of your work and your rights. Afterall, if you’re not standing up for the important contribution that you make to society, then who will?

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This entry was posted on Thursday, June 11th, 2009 at 2:03 pm by Lucinda M. Dugger and is filed under creators, economy, education, events, international, market forces, piracy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.