ICA - The Rise of The Amateur? May 15, 2006

The rise of the amateur?

Is amateurism really on the rise? And if it is, is this blurring of the lines between professionals and amateurs a good thing or not?

As access to new technologies becomes easier, a whole swathe of industries look set to cower under a wave of ?democratisation?. From amateur journalists scooping newspapers to independent pop bands circumventing radio stations, the hard-working amateur seems to have been granted a new role. But is amateurism really on the rise? And if it is, is this blurring of the lines between professionals and amateurs a good thing or not?

Speakers: D.J. Taylor, literary critic, biographer, and author of On the Corinthian Spirit; Marysia Lewandowska, London-based artist who has recently presented Enthusiasm. Films of Love, Longing and Labour; Georgina Henry, editor of the Guardian's new comment blog, Comment is Free and Nick Luscombe, ICA music curator. Participating chair: Charles Leadbeater, writer, idea entrepreneur and author of The Pro-Am revolution.

Mon 15 May 18:45 Brandon Room

Full Price : ?8.
Concession : ?7.
ICA Members : ?6.

Official Website: http://www.ica.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=14843