“The rise of the self-published author as a commercial force, the growth of the ebook market and the willingness of traditional publishers to loosen contractual reins have given rise to the phenomenon of the “hybrid author,” who can either publish traditionally or self-publish. These writers’ relationships to their publishers can resemble open marriages.”
Author: Douglas McLennan
FX TV Network CEO: How We Changed Our Diversity Equation
Regarding directors, “we just happened to all be working in a system that was racially biased, and weren’t taking responsibility for stepping up and acknowledging that and saying, ‘OK, we will be the change,’” he added.
Why Big Brand Toy Companies Are Getting Into Broadway
“Having already struck gold by developing its Transformers brand into a series of four films, which collectively have grossed $3.8 billion (all figures U.S.) worldwide, Hasbro hasn’t ruled out bringing any of its brands, which include Play-Doh, Stretch Armstrong and My Little Pony, to Broadway.”
Modern Olympics Founder Wanted An Olympics Of The Arts Too
“In 1906, he unveiled this idea to the IOC: the Olympic Games should include gold, silver and bronze medals in five categories of the arts: architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. Like sports competitors, the artists participating in the new “Pentathlon of the Muses” were supposed to be amateurs.”
Our Changing Culture Of Death
“For better or worse, the West has escaped the tyranny that the dead once held over the living, and still do in many lands and cultures. We no longer make room for the dead in our worlds: the household flame lit for the ancestors, death masks, Sunday picnics in the cemetery, Funeral Savings Banks, even coffins themselves – all of these seem increasingly distant from our death-wary present.”
Increasingly We’re Using Technology To Do Art History. But It Has Limitations
“One of the beautiful but frustrating things about art history is that it can never be an exact science. Whatever forensic examination becomes available must be interpreted by human beings. Just as the introduction of DNA evidence has permitted huge strides forward in criminal investigations, but has not proven definitive in courtrooms, so too, digital art-historical discoveries have offered ‘eureka moments’ that have led to duelling opinions rather than resolutions.”
Why Do So Many Arts Organizations Fail At The Audience Experience?
“Even as we demand more flavor from our coffees and breads – they’ve got to be artisanal, you know – we seem willing to accept patron experiences that are increasingly diminished. Character is an important consideration when you’re buying a $1 doughnut. But it doesn’t seem to be as crucial when purchasing a $100 pass to a music festival.”
Hey – Real Diversity Isn’t About “Reflecting” Your Community
“Instead of focusing on how to make our organizations reflect our community, what if we found ways for our organizations to be more accountable — or accountable, period — to the communities we serve?”
Leaders Of Alberta’s Two Largest Theatres Depart Signals Major Shift
“The departures come as Alberta’s oil-reliant economy is suffering – and all that that implies for arts organizations: corporate funding, individual donations and subscription and ticket sales. The loss of the two veterans at a time of financial unrest may add to a feeling of instability, but what’s waiting in the wings could instead be exciting.”
Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony As Contemporary Art Piece
“The opening ceremony succeeded in restoring a human face to a country that has been translated into a laundry list of unfixable problems. As populist as it was necessarily prettified, the event was in tune with the global mood that has grown weary of technocrats, elites and all the other self-serving saviors who talk a good game but never seem to improve the status quo.”