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CIAO DATE: 05/04
Art, Technology and Intellectual Property
February 2002
Abstract
On February 7, 2002, sixty-seven men and women gathered at Arden House in Harriman, New York for the 100th American Assembly entitled “Art, Technology, and Intellectual Property.” The participants included artists, attorneys, foundation and government officials, representatives from the academic and communications communities, as well as from the for-profit and not-for-profit arts sectors. Consistent with The American Assembly’s format, the participants came from across the country and represented a broad spectrum of views and interests.
The premise of the meeting was that in the twenty-first century transition to an information-driven economy, intellectual property is a critical resource. Most sectors of American society, including business, communications, government, science, medicine, and education are racing to deal with this new economy and to anticipate its consequences.
The arts sector is poised to join the other sectors, but first, a closer examination of intellectual property issues is essential. While the forprofit arts have actively pursued their intellectual property interests and technological opportunities, the not-for-profit arts have been less able to secure a place at the policy and decisionmaking table. Both parts of the arts sector share common concerns about fostering creativity, but they often have different interests, values, perspectives, and resources. At the 100th American Assembly, leaders from the for-profit and not-for-profit arts met in structured discussions to explore these issues with authorities from other sectors, and was also attended by thirty participants who came together to discuss emerging models and how they are adjusting to rapid technological in the belief that understanding both common causes and varying interests is essential to the wise and productive development of America's creative assets in the twenty-first century. This is their report.
