Copycamp: mayhem works

COPYCAMP – Toronto September 28-30, 2006

A three day ‘unconference’ organized by the Creator’s Rights Alliance (CRA-ADC) and brought together by, among others, Susan Crean (CRA-ADC) and animated host Misha Glouberman. Over three days the vigorous transition towards a more open and sharing creative environment became readily apparent.

CopyCamp was awash with equal parts vulnerability, arrogance, conviction and uncertainty. CRA-ADC and other artists collectives like CARFAC have traditionally championed more restricted access to copyrighted material, with a focus on the ‘promotion and protection of the interests of creators’: a focus on the business of creation and on getting paid. Few would argue that this is a commendable endeavor. But by the final afternoon many of the old guard were being confronted with the reality of a broader notion of how we support, encourage and interact with creators. And this includes the possibility of opening up and letting go. As with all historic transitions it’s a difficult one , made more difficult by the legal, political and practical complexities of copyright. But it is the capacity to recognize change that characterizes growth and new forms of creativity.

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