The international conference (Word Knowledge dialogue (WKD) 2023), led by Prof. Yaniv Benhamou of the Faculty of Law / Digital Law Center, University of Geneva, brought together 50 experts from a variety of fields (artists, philosophers, activists, sociologists, economists, lawyers, IT specialists, and artists' professional associations) to spend 2 days reflecting on “The Future of culture, in its financing and governance in the digital age”, in order to propose innovative solutions in favour of artistic creation and artists’ remuneration.
The aim of the conference was to explore the impact of digital technologies on culture, particularly on creative industries (e.g. music, visual arts and video games). More specifically, the aim was to analyse the impact of digital technology on the funding and governance of culture (e.g. remuneration of artists on streaming platforms, new funding models through Web3 and NFTs) to accompany these changes in a sustainable way. There is indeed a need to clarify and support the changes brought by digital technologies in an interdisciplinary way (through art, economics, law, sociology, and technology) and on both a national and international scale (cf. European Commission 2022; ILO 2023) . Bearing in mind that the creative field is often a precursor of changes to come, the aim of this conference was also to highlight ideas and possible solutions that could be of use to other sectors.
The aim of the 50 experts was to come up with concrete recommendations (Policies) for authorities and professionals to improve the legal framework, as well as remuneration and governance models. The conference alternated between public lectures and four (4) thematic workshops, each led by a moderator (Marc Perrenoud, Valérie-Laure Benabou, Amélie Favreau, Frédéric Young) and a rapporteur (Yves Baeur, Honor Felisberto, Thomas Gauffroy-Naudin and Loic Rïom).
This report summarises the discussions and proposals that emerged from the 4 working groups. It is therefore the fruit of the reflections of each group. They were drafted by their rapporteur, then consolidated by Prof. Yaniv Benhamou (conference organiser) and Ms Margot Voisin (assistant at the Digital Law Center).
