An interesting follow-up to A Career in the Arts: The Complex Learning and Career Needs of Creative Professionals (CH,Jan'23, 60-1281), this well-researched volume concisely traces the history of aesthetics through philosophers, artists, scientists, and scholars and considers the place of digital and biological art in creative practice. Its strength lies in its accessible structure. The introduction provides a clear road map of the narrative. Extensive notes and a well-curated bibliography provide additional sources for exploration and further enhance the scholarly merit. While primarily useful as a brief survey of aesthetics, the book nonetheless addresses emergent dialogues surrounding AI, biotechnological advancements in art, and the intersection of art, culture, and technology.: Recommended. Lower-division through advanced undergraduates.

Choice Reviews

Gary Berg provides a thoughtful, extremely well-researched analysis of the systemic challenges and potential opportunities for creative professionals as they pursue their careers. This “bird’s eye view” of the field will be extremely helpful to individual artists in their quest as well as to arts executives, policymakers and educators seeking to strengthen the cultural ecosystem and support artists in their efforts to bring joy, beauty and a sense of our shared humanity to our communities.

Rachel S. Moore, President & CEO of The Music Center and author of The Artist's Compass: The Complete Guide to Building a Life and a Living in the Performing Arts

The book’s appearance coincides with a moment of profound changes in creative lives (and not only professions!) of all kinds and is driven by data, not opinion, regarding creative worlds that need facts today as much as they do artists and their audiences. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Brett Steele, Dean UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture

Berg's apt, well-researched, well-written book is both poetic and pragmatic…. Invaluable for all who are in the creative arts or interested in pursuing the vast and varied career options in the arts. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews