Arts Under Pressure : Promoting Cultural Diversity in the Age of Globalization

Arts Under Pressure analyses the relevant forces behind decision making in cultural matters worldwide under the influence of economic globalisation.

The book deals with all the arts, in all parts of the world and focuses on the cycle of creation, production, distribution, promotion, reception and influence. It asks: who has the power to decide what reaches audiences, in what quantities, with what contents and surrounded by what kinds of ambiances? Refuting the 'natural' existence of a mass culture, Arts Under Pressure argues that globally dominant artistic creations are produced, distributed and promoted on a mass scale that destroys the diversity any society desperately needs. Smiers argues that countries must take culture out of the grip of the WTO and sign a new International Convention on Cultural Diversity.

Smiers concludes with a completely new vision of copyright, advantageous to artists, third world countries and the public domain.

“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.” —Cees J. Hamelink, Universiteit van Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam

“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)

“Arts Under Pressure would be a good addition to any collection that is in need of a fresh opinion of the global economy or artistic expression.” —Paula Persoleo, Pittsburg State University

“Urbane in perspective, and comprehensive in its documentation of the new manifestations of copyright in the age of globalization.” —Rustom Bharucha, theatre director, Calcutta, and author of The Politics of Cultural Practice