The Changing Social Economy of Art Are the Arts Becoming Less Exclus

Is art for everybody? Why do art lovers attach so much value to authenticity, autonomy and authorship? Why did the arts become so serious in the first place? Why do many artists reject commerce and cultural entrepreneurship? Crucially, are any of the answ

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Hans Abbing

The Changing Social Economy of Art “This valuable text evokes Howard Becker’s “Art Worlds”, and likewise it will have strong repercussions in the contemporary triangle of the production, distribution, and consumption of the arts. Whether you agree or disagree with Abbing’s provocative statements, undoubtfully his thoughts about the contemporary power of the economy and sociology of the arts are worthy of discussion. This book is a treasure trove of issues such as consequences of the still ongoing polarity of ‘serious’ and ‘popular arts’, opportunities for innovation in the arts, the obsession with authenticity and aura, the double-edged sword of commercialism and enrichment, and alternative ways of art sharing and finding new career paths for artists.” —Volker Kirchberg, Professor Sociology of the Arts, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany “Just as ‘Why are artists poor’ changed our view on the arts economy, this study will change our view on the social context of the arts. In the 19th century the separation of ‘serious art’ and entertainment coincided with the exclusion of lower social groups. Now the cross-over between art and entertainment along with the claim of inclusion bewilders the cultural gatekeeping elite. Abbing explains why this happens in a book which will be a must-read for many years to come.” —Joost Heinsius, Art Theorist and Consultant, Amsterdam “A must-read for any artist. So much that puzzled me in the arts becomes understandable. Belonging to a new generation of musicians, I especially like Abbing’s treatment of technological changes affecting artistic developments. Being a music producer of electronic music, I contribute to these developments. But I do not earn much money. (I therefore also make commercial work.) The same applies to many of my colleagues. It is a relief to know about the underlying reasons.” —Hiroaki Oba, Music Producer, Berlin and Tokyo

Hans Abbing

The Changing Social Economy of Art Are the Arts Becoming Less Exclusive?

Hans Abbing Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

ISBN 978-3-030-21667-2    ISBN 978-3-030-21668-9 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21668-9 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2019 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advi