In November 2009, DACS (Digital and Copyright Agency), a not-for-profit visual artists’ rights management organisation, hosted a series of high-profile debates on visual artists in the 21st century. Chaired by Alan Yentob, a distinguished panel comprising artists Susan Hiller, Paul Graham, Michael Landy and economist Alan Freeman explored the value of the visual arts to the economy and society at a time when the value of traditional economic sectors are being seriously challenged. This is the prepublication transcript of the first discussion.