School students participating in the finals of the Institute of Ideas & Pfizer Debating Matters Competition debate the motion Copyright benefits the arts. Expert judges raise challenging questions while sixth form students hold their ground. An inspiring preparation seminar featuring Sandy Starr and Tania Spriggens takes us beyond the usual arguments and moans by the music and film industry about illegal downloads and pirate DVDs costing them a packet. We are led to consider the impact of copyright on freedom of expression, how creative ideas emerge and the unique nature of artistic labour. Volunteers also checked out public opinion on the streets of London.
