Free access to the means of production and participation in the processes of cultural production has always been a basic demand of the artistic avant-gardes. Today, due to new digital technologies and social networks, it seems easier than ever to actually meet it. Here, a brief introduction to new platforms for cooperative, networked production will be followed by a discussion of alternative financing models – street performer protocol, subscriptions or donations, for example – that allow consumers of music to participate in its production and commercial exploitation. The panel discusses issues such as community (self-)care and maintenance, credibility and fair business practice as fundamental criteria of sustainable economic success.
Before the discussion, the panelists introduce into the concepts of their projects:
> www.livebeats.com
> www.soundcloud.com
> www.tracksandfields.com
