Writing and Publishing
Shakespeare finally shares the credit
400 years after Shakespeare wrote his first three plays, Oxford University Press has concluded his rival Christopher Marlowe should share…
The brave new world of the independent producer
When we think of "producing," we often think "institution" but independent producers have a huge opportunity to create capacity and…
Dissecting the Dylan Nobel controversy
Dylan's Nobel Prize in Literature has been variously described as an inspired choice, a thoughtless slight to real writers or…
Creepy clowns obscure the value of real clowning
The current craze for creepy clowns is a sad reminder that real clowning is a misunderstood art.
Why useless art is useful
Visual arts is useless, edgeless and homeless...and that is a good thing both for artists and for society.
Why a scorecard of quality in the arts is a very bad idea
Modern society has become addicted to ratings and league tables. But a new scorecard, which aims to give 'good art'…
What book club is that?
Your book club may have no more in common with mine than lawn bowls has with Sumo wrestling.
Outing anonymous authors
The identity of novelist Elena Ferrente has been exposed, creating an international storm around the right of authors to remain…
Turning a free lunch into a gravy train
Whether you are a wannabe, a winner or a frustrated also-ran, working the award scene can be rewarding.
It's okay to be mediocre
Artists are looking beyond the conventions of success and excellence to find enjoyment in the creation – even if it’s…