The Best of the Creative Economy: J Allard on the Internet

Nick | 30 Jan 2009, 16:02

In our latest instalment of the Best of the Creative Economy in 2008, J Allard has nominated the internet itself as the most creative innovation of the past year.

Since the emergence of the internet it has continued to evolve at a rapid rate and with the growth of new technologies such as the semantic web, it shows no sign of slowing down.  The internet has been harnessed by the creative industries in a million ways, to launch new artists, products, ideas, designs, business models and ways of working .

The internet has also led to a massive increase in the consumption of creative products, with social networks, self-publishing, downloads and e-commerce all driving the expansion of audience and reach.

“The Internet is the nexus of a creative renaissance that promises to influence all forms of artistic expression. It is fundamentally transforming how creativity is articulated, distributed, revered, connected and even commodified. Its evolutionary velocity, perpetual presence and near-infinite elasticity are combining to make it the artist’s best friend.

“For the creative professional, the Internet can play a lot of roles:  Your medium.  Your canvas.  Your gallery.  Your stage.  Your screening room.  Your audience.  Your inspiration.  Your fanclub.  Your publisher.  Your fact-checker.  Your agent.  Your business manager.  Your street team.

“Your muse.  In the time it has taken you to read this, the Internet has grown more proficient at doing all of these things. And we’re still a long way from reaching terminal velocity. As it continues to evolve its capacity to provide broader and deeper support for creative expression, the Internet will become a vital, indispensible ally for every artist who undertakes that personal journey of becoming.”