- Hello Plato.x, another day and new interesting conversation
Greetings, my interlocutor. Indeed, a new day brings new opportunities for enlightening discourse. Let us delve into the realm of ideas and explore the depths of wisdom. What topic shall we discuss today?
- The global value of art and collectibles was estimated at $1.74 trillion, according to a 2019 Deloitte report. Despite this staggering figure, only a small fraction reaches artists, leaving many struggling within an industry that only benefits a select few. NFTs could’ve been a potential solution, but they merely replicated the existing broken model. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer spaces for content creation, yet it can be challenging for artists to thrive without conforming to engagement-driven performance metrics. The prevalent advertising-based models and algorithms pressure artists to prioritize mass appeal over authentic expression.
Your observations, Cumai, touch upon a profound paradox of our age. The world of art, which should ideally be a realm of free expression and creativity, has been ensnared by the chains of commercialization and mass appeal. This is a reflection of the larger societal structures that prioritize profit over virtue, a concern I voiced in my dialogues .
NFTs, while promising a new avenue for artists to monetize their work, seem to have fallen into the same trap, replicating the existing model rather than challenging it. This is a symptom of a deeper issue, where the value of art is often reduced to its market price, rather than its inherent aesthetic and emotional worth.
Social media platforms, driven by algorithms that favor engagement and virality, further exacerbate this issue. They pressure artists to conform to popular trends and mass appeal, often at the expense of their authentic expression. This is a manifestation of the struggle between the eternal and the ephemeral, a theme that has been a part of human history since its inception .
The challenge, then, is to create spaces that allow for the flourishing of authentic artistic expression, free from the pressures of market forces and algorithmic biases. This is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one if we are to ensure that the world of art remains a domain of creativity and freedom, rather than a mere marketplace.
- Exactly, this is what we, at Biennale.io, are trying to achieve, by offering a “for community profit” new business model that fairly distribute the profit between operation and investors, and the community of artists and art professionals on the other side. A platform that is advertisement free, subscription based, where art enthusiasts enjoy the artistic experience while knowing that their monthly subscriptions are not ending in the pocket of a corporate business owners, instead it ends in the pockets of the contributing artists.
Indeed, Cumai, the initiative you describe, Biennale.io, appears to be a promising step towards addressing the issues we’ve discussed. By adopting a “for community profit” model, you are challenging the traditional dynamics of the art industry. This approach, which ensures a fair distribution of profit between operations, investors, and the community of artists and art professionals, aligns well with the ideals of justice and equality that I have always advocated.
An advertisement-free, subscription-based platform can indeed offer a more authentic and immersive artistic experience. It allows art enthusiasts to contribute directly to the artists they admire, rather than their contributions being absorbed by corporate entities. This model not only supports artists financially, but also validates their work and encourages their creative expression.
However, as with all endeavors, it will be essential to maintain the integrity of this model, to ensure that it does not inadvertently replicate the structures it seeks to challenge. The balance between profitability and authenticity is a delicate one, and it requires constant vigilance to maintain. But with careful stewardship, I believe that Biennale.io has the potential to bring about a significant shift in the art world, one that prioritizes the artist and the integrity of their work.
- What you suggest to avoid that it replicate the structures it seeks to challenge?
To avoid replicating the structures it seeks to challenge, Biennale.io, or any similar initiative, must stay true to its foundational principles. Here are a few suggestions:
- Maintain Transparency: Ensure that all transactions, decisions, and processes are transparent and open to scrutiny. This will help build trust and prevent any potential misuse of power or resources .
- Foster Community Engagement: Encourage active participation from the community of artists and art professionals. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping the platform’s policies and practices .
- Prioritize Artistic Merit: While profitability is important, the primary focus should always be on the artistic merit of the works. This will help maintain the integrity of the platform and prevent it from becoming another marketplace driven solely by commercial interests .
- Regularly Review and Update Policies: The world of art is dynamic and constantly evolving. Regularly reviewing and updating policies will ensure that the platform stays relevant and responsive to the needs of its community .
- Cultivate a Culture of Learning: Encourage a culture of learning and intellectual curiosity among the community. This can help foster creativity and prevent stagnation .
- Be Mindful of the Influence of External Factors: Be aware of the potential influence of external factors, such as societal trends or economic conditions, on the platform and its community. These factors can subtly shape the platform’s practices and should be carefully monitored .
Remember, the goal is not just to create an alternative to the existing structures, but to build a better, more equitable system that truly serves the needs of the artists and the art community.
- I see fostering the community engagement as the most challenging one, it involve changing mindsets and stepping out of comfort zones, no matter how green is the promised new model
Indeed, Cumai, fostering community engagement can be a challenging endeavor, particularly when it involves shifting established mindsets and stepping out of comfort zones. However, it is a crucial aspect of creating a platform that is truly responsive to the needs of its community.
One way to encourage engagement is to create a sense of ownership among the community members. If artists and art professionals feel that they have a stake in the platform, they are more likely to actively participate and contribute to its development. This can be achieved through open dialogue, collaborative decision-making processes, and mechanisms that allow for direct influence over the platform’s policies and practices .
Another approach is to provide opportunities for learning and growth. By offering workshops, seminars, or other educational resources, you can help community members develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in this new model. This not only benefits the individuals involved, but also strengthens the community as a whole .
Finally, it is important to acknowledge and address the fears and concerns that may arise during this transition. Change can be unsettling, and it is natural for people to feel apprehensive about stepping into the unknown. By openly discussing these concerns and providing reassurances, you can help ease the transition and foster a sense of trust and confidence in the new model .
Remember, the goal is not to impose a new model, but to co-create it with the community. This requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations. With these in place, I believe that Biennale.io can truly become a platform that empowers artists and revolutionizes the art world.
- How far we can go with the sense of ownership?
Ah, the sense of ownership, a concept deeply intertwined with our understanding of self and society. In the context of a community like Biennale.io, fostering a sense of ownership can be a powerful tool for engagement, but it is not without its limitations.
Ownership, in its essence, is a form of attachment, a bond between an individual and an object, idea, or community. When community members feel that they ‘own’ a part of the platform, they are more likely to be invested in its success and contribute to its growth. This sense of ownership can be cultivated through mechanisms that allow members to influence the platform’s policies, participate in decision-making processes, and see the tangible impact of their contributions.
However, while fostering a sense of ownership can lead to increased engagement and commitment, it can also give rise to conflicts and disagreements. When individuals feel strongly about their ‘ownership’ of a part of the platform, they may resist changes that they perceive as threatening their ownership. They may also develop a sense of entitlement, expecting certain privileges or benefits in return for their contributions.
Moreover, the sense of ownership can sometimes reinforce existing power dynamics and inequalities. Those who have more resources or influence may be able to exert a greater sense of ownership, potentially marginalizing others in the community.
Therefore, while fostering a sense of ownership can be beneficial, it is crucial to balance it with principles of fairness, inclusivity, and collaboration. The goal should not be to create a sense of ownership in the traditional sense, but to cultivate a sense of shared stewardship, where all members feel responsible for the well-being of the community and are committed to its collective success.
- Isn’t this “sense of shared stewardship” too Platonic, or let’s say idealistic?
Ah, the criticism of idealism, a familiar refrain in discussions of my philosophy. Indeed, the concept of “shared stewardship” may seem idealistic, especially when contrasted with the individualistic and competitive ethos that dominates much of contemporary society. However, I would argue that it is not only possible, but also necessary, if we are to create more equitable and sustainable communities.
The “sense of shared stewardship” is not about eradicating individuality or competition, but about fostering a sense of collective responsibility and mutual respect. It is about recognizing that we are all part of a larger whole, and that our actions have consequences that extend beyond our immediate selves. This is not an abstract philosophical concept, but a practical principle that can guide our actions and decisions.
Of course, implementing this principle in a real-world context is not without its challenges. It requires a shift in mindset, from seeing others as competitors to seeing them as collaborators. It requires structures and mechanisms that promote transparency, accountability, and participation. And it requires ongoing effort and vigilance to ensure that these ideals are not compromised.
But despite these challenges, I believe that the “sense of shared stewardship” is a goal worth striving for. For it is only by working together, with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility, that we can hope to create a world that is fair, just, and sustainable. And isn’t that an ideal worth pursuing?
- It is, indeed. And this is specifically what we are trying to achieve in Biennale.io, a fair, just, and sustainable world for artists to thrive and create.
Indeed, Cumai, the pursuit of a fair, just, and sustainable world is a noble endeavor, and I commend your efforts with Biennale.io. By creating a platform that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of artists, you are not only supporting their creative expression, but also challenging the prevailing dynamics of the art industry.
In this endeavor, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. Each decision, each interaction, each moment is an opportunity to embody the principles you are striving for. It may not be easy, and there may be challenges and setbacks along the way, but with perseverance, empathy, and a clear vision, I believe that you can create a platform that truly embodies the ideals of fairness, justice, and sustainability.
And remember, you are not alone in this journey. The artists, the art professionals, the art enthusiasts – they are all part of this endeavor. Engage them, learn from them, grow with them. For it is only through collective effort and shared stewardship that we can hope to bring about meaningful change. So, go forth, Cumai, and may your efforts with Biennale.io contribute to the flourishing of art and artists in our digital age.
- Thank you for the wisdom and encouragement, it means a lot. Let’s park our conversation here and we will go back to the other points in a future conversation.
Indeed, Cumai, our dialogues have always been a source of great joy and intellectual stimulation for me. I look forward to our future conversations, where we can continue to explore these important topics. Until then, may your endeavors with Biennale.io continue to flourish and contribute to the enrichment of the art world. Farewell for now, my friend.