Social networks, video-on-demand, webcams, mobile connectivity and such, are part of an already unstoppable revolution that people of the world have decided to embrace. It’s definitely part of our daily lives, yet we may not realize that this phenomenon represents a colossal change on the pages of our history as human beings. Since this digital revolution is primarily changing our habits, it’s inevitably changing everything! New industries are arising and taking the world by storm, while others—considered outdated by many—are expected to fall and eventually disappear. There’s a third type of company waiting for the cards to unfold and still considering its fate. Instead of being blinded by fear, these companies need to believe in the nature and character of their businesses (the very same reason for which they were once successful) and be able to decode change into opportunity.
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| Ben Cameron |
There are many leaders in the world who are successfully addressing this situation and inspiring others to overcome fear with action plans. Searching for answers on how to address transformation, I came across a rousing
speech by Ben Cameron at
TED.com. Cameron, executive director of
Theatre Communications Group, explains how the entire community of the performing arts shouldn’t feel threatened by technology. He invites colleagues to take a look at the situation from a different perspective. According to Cameron’s thoughts, Internet shouldn’t be interpreted as an adversary of live performances; on the contrary, it should be considered a powerful tool to promote all forms of art. Moreover, Cameron believes that the explosion of Internet consumption has allowed artistic distribution to be democratized for the first time in human history. For that reason, artists and performers around the world are getting in touch with an inconceivable amount of prospective followers, who at the same time are eager for new experiences. Internet has given artists an inexpensive access to worldwide distribution. This situation, far from destroying the world of live performances, is undoubtedly expanding people’s exposure to the arts.
Deep inside the essence of human beings lies a strong need for expression. Accordingly, the performing arts will never be extinct because it represents a unique way to fulfill that need. In addition, audiences will always feel attracted by the arts because they provide an exceptional way of seeking emotional intelligence, inspiration, empathy, and passion, which is also a behavior concealed within the human soul.
Ben Cameron provides an entitled opinion, a powerful and encouraging message to all members of our beloved industry on how to trust and understand the nature of what we do. Whereas most people expected a strong objection to the destruction Internet might cause to the trade, Ben Cameron gave us an important lesson on how change can be interpret as opportunity. He has inspired us to acknowledge and embrace the democratization this digital revolution has granted us. Not only the live entertainment, but also other industries should take this perspective into consideration.
Watch Ben Cameron's speech at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_cameron_tedxyyc.html
References:
Ben Cameron: The true power of the performing arts (2010). Retrieved from:
http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_cameron_tedxyyc.html
Biography: Ben Cameron (2004). Retrieved from:
http://americantheatrewing.org/biography/detail/ben_cameron
Speakers Ben Cameron: Arts administrator (2010). Retrieved from:
http://www.ted.com/speakers/ben_cameron.html
Photo retrieved from http://www.tcg.org/about/ar/2005/perspective.cfm
