THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE AESTHETIC - SYSTEMIC CONTRADICTION INTHE ORGANIZATION OF CREATIVITY

The paper treats the organization of arts and cultural institutions - those activities and structures that encompass the aesthetic dimension of Life. When aesthetic or creative activities are institutionalized, they evolve toward a bureaucratic organizational form that is antithe tical to their systemic function. The rules and regulations that contr ol the system form the basis for its internal structure. Adherence to the rules becomes the criterion for assessing the systems performance. Therefore, the goal of any bureaucracy is to constrain creativity and Limit options. When the mission of the bureaucratic organization is t o enhance creativity and develop new options, the structure and functi on of the system are in conflict. The paper contrasts the implications of this emphasis on organizational structure over function in cultura l institutions. It then discusses alternate forms that attempt to bala nce the aesthetic function within a formalized organizational structur e.