The Rise of the Amateur?

Marysia contributed to a discussion at the ICA in London on The Rise of the Amateur?

As access to new technologies becomes easier and cheaper, a whole swathe of industries look set to cower under a wave of “democratisation”. From amateur journalists scooping newspapers to independent pop bands circumventing the power of radio stations, the hard-working amateur – variously called PRO-AM, amateur professional, prosumer or passionate 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 is a good thing or not?

Speakers: D.J. Taylor, literary critic and biographer: Marysia Lewandowska, London-based artist and co-producer of Enthusiasm. Films of Love, Longing and Labour which included material from amateur film clubs active in Poland.

Participating chair: Charles Leadbeater, writer, idea entrepreneur and author of the Pro-Am Revolution : How enthusiasts are changing our economy and society.