Fair Play - Art, Performance and Neoliberalism

by Jen Harvie

This book asks what is the quality of participation in contemporary art and performance? Has it been damaged by cultural policies which have 'entrepreneurialized' artists, cut arts funding and cultivated corporate philanthropy? Has it been fortified by crowdfunding, pop-ups and craftsmanship? And how can it help us to understand social welfare?

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvie's book is wide ranging in its scope and concern, but she is generally concerned with performance art and other types of non-traditional art like instillation art and immersive theatre. She puts these performances in the context of changing social and political economic conditions in contemporary Britain, and especially London. Her analysis is complex because it draws from various types of political economics, performance theory, performative materialism, and so on.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of few art history books thinking critically about participation in contemporary art. Carries on the Claire Bishop critique that participation may just exacerbate neoliberal individuality/consumption. Leans a bit more sociological than art historical at times but still lays the necessary foundation for studying neoliberalism in contemporary art.

[Kate Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was into the first two chapters, but then felt it really went downhill.