The Business of Art and Relationship

The borders between the public and private sphere are diminishing, especially in art and business. But, is this the best practice? Perhaps, we need to establish firm boundaries, from the initiation to the execution, and debriefing of projects. This includes conflict resolution, which is best left in the private sphere and managed by credible and neutral consultants. At the same time this approach is only effective when we view art as a business.

And as with most business developments, even art related ones, there is a level of professionalism, codes of conduct, communication, and procedures to respect from the beginning of a project and at each stage of delivery until the end. But this is problematic, especially in the arts, when we only take a relationship driven approach to creativity. Art is framed as a stress free, a relaxed approach. However, in business, rationality and clear objectives and values are key principles.

As intellectual property takes the lead in the development of social and economic growth across industries from the field of art to medicine, we are witnessing a rise in conflict. And the courts are flooded with cases and legal fees are rising. Another option is court appointed mediation. And in the arts, we do extend our services to situations when a court appointed mediator needs an additional neutral viewpoint during the process of mediation.

Globally, we are encouraged more than ever to explore our creative self. A phenomenal approach to managing health and well being, fostering new relationships, and developing lucrative careers. In addition, with the barriers of entry to the realm of art diminishing, through the support of social media, community driven campaigns, and access to knowledge, recognition and wealth is within reach. Unfortunately, so are the issues of conflict concerning intellectual property.

Technology, mindsets, and new approaches to business and relationship management have not fostered a clear link to the laws governing art and ownership. Particularly, now when business strategies are founded on the modern principles of relationship driven agendas. With business and relationship functioning as one entity networking is perceived friendship. And social media mobilizes and legitimizes this concept which normalizes us to cloud our mental, physical, and financial boundaries. Therefore, by default practices just about every interaction or conversation is an automatic conversion of our private spaces to the public sphere.

But this is not how the ethical and legal spheres work. And dependent on the broader cultural code and nuances of the subculture, while relationships are quickly made, conflict is even quicker to erupt and longer to resolve.

However, it is imperative to view conflicts from the perspective of business and creatives. Often, there are issues of contribution to the conflict from both parties. Seldom intentionally. Rather, in this fast spaced and distracting global lifestyle we all share in the assumptions of fast thinking which, plays the greatest role in our disputes. And all can be resolved peacefully, respectfully, and fairly. Creativity is the power house of culture and economic development. Every facet of our lives depends on it to maintain our existence and that of the future generations.