FAUX WILDE

A recording, long thought to be the only one of Oscar Wilde, probably isn’t. “Experts have analysed the recording using the latest techniques, and have concluded it is likely to be a forgery.” – BBC

STALLING IN BOSTON

Arts boosters in Boston look around the country and see cities encouraging development of arts facilities. But in Boston, plans for new arts initiatives seem to have stalled out. “In Boston, it seems, ambitious dreams to incorporate the arts into major development plans have generally failed.” – Boston Herald 11/30/00

EXCLUSIVITY SELLS

Online auctions were supposed to transform the world of art sales, democratizing the bidding process and thus driving up prices. “But so far, that hasn’t proven to be the case. Fine art collectors, perhaps missing the posh surroundings of the auction house, don’t seem to feel comfortable shopping online.” – Wired

TOUGH SEASON

Argentina’s National Symphony is wrapping up its season. But it’s been a tough year for the orchestra. Due to “indifference” by the government and withholding of funding “several concerts had to change programme or artists, and many didn’t get paid, along with programme-note writers, purveyors of orchestral parts, and, most grievously, the Auditorio de Belgrano.” – Buenos Aires Herald

THE ABC’s OF THE TURNER PRIZE

“The Turner Prize is probably the biggest advert for the British art world. Headline-grabbing exhibitions aside, it is the one time the esoteric world of the ‘YBAs’ – Young British Artists – meets the people. For all its outrageousness, once an artist is nominated for the Turner Prize, they become part of the establishment.” Here’s an annotated guide through the workings of the Turner. The Scotsman