Paper presented at Second Annual International Conference on Cultural Economics and Planning, sponsored by the Association for Cultural Economics, Mastricht, Holland, May 26-28, 1982.

The definition of art is further tested in that privately produced art may run counter to the elitist tendencies of traditional art. John Pick describes this phenomenon in the context of London theatre. He notes that drama in the media of television, movies and amateur theatre is thriving. Dramatic art in the form of London's West End theatres is suffering. He contends that popular drama is defined outside of real art because of its popularity. Applying this elitist definition to much privately produced art would result in denying its artistry. Private producers must rely on sales to stay in business. The presence of this profit motive is likely to require catering to some segment of the market. The broader the appeal, the more likely the art produced is to be categorized as non-art or by the pejorative, popular art. As cultural economists pursue studies of private producer art, these definitional problems will arise more frequently. (p. 106).

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Notes [bibliography].

The definition of art is further tested in that privately produced art may run counter to the elitist tendencies of traditional art. John Pick describes this phenomenon in the context of London theatre. He notes that drama in the media of television, movies and amateur theatre is thriving.