Author: Douglas McLennan

TO BOLDLY GO

“While the major media establishments struggle to figure out how to use the Internet, many celebrities are taking advantage of a medium that offers more creative freedom at a lower cost. And they’re being greeted by a number of smart online companies such as Artistdirect, which creates Web sites for celebrities, and Atomic Pop, which is headed by Al Teller, the former head of MCA Music Entertainment Group and CBS Records.” – Yahoo! (Inter@ctive Week) 08/15/00

REPLACING TOBACCO DOLLARS

Tobacco companies have been major funders of Canadian arts. But new regulations curtail tobacco sponsorships. A survey of 152 arts groups finds that “more than half of the groups now receiving tobacco money will be forced to reduce the size and scope of their productions. It also found that arts groups will seek new sources of revenue rather than ask existing sponsors for more money.” – CBC

THE ART OF REUNION

A delegation of North Korean poets, painters, and scholars will return to see their families in South Korea for the first time in 50 years – many of their family members have only been able to see their relatives’ art at overseas exhibitions in China and Japan. – Korea Herald 08/15/00

OPPORTUNITY RUINS

One month after the Roman Coliseum hosted its first theatrical event in 1,500 years, a pop concert planned for the amphitheaters of ancient Pompeii and Paestum may be next. Despite widespread concerns over possible damage to the ruins, Italy’s culture minister promised that more of Italy’s famous monuments will present entertainment. – Times of India (AP) 08/14/00

ARTSCORPS

  • A Boston pilot program “teams students with five local cultural institutions. The students act as apprentices to artists in five disciplines: dance, portraiture, storytelling, Vietnamese silk painting and puppetry-theater arts. In addition to the cultural experience, the students are also gaining job training and literacy skills. The students are required to keep a daily journal, show up on time, and act professionally and respectfully. For their time – five hours a day, five days a week, for five weeks – the program’s participants receive $6 an hour.” – Boston Herald 08/14/00

ARCHAEOLOGICAL LAND MINES

For the last 18 years, one of Israel’s top archaeologists has been digging at Mt. Gerizim, home of the world’s small remaining Samaritan community, on the West Bank. Amongst his many discoveries, the archaeologist has unearthed the fact that “if digging in Israel is like working in a thorn field of political and religious sensitivities, archaeology in the territories is thornier yet.” – The Jerusalem Report

UNTANGLING IDEOLOGY

An interview with Iranian artist Shirin Neshat, whose popular “Women of Allah” photo series and video installations subvert stereotypes of Muslim women. “There’s the stereotype about the women – they’re all victims and submissive – and they’re not. Slowly I subvert that image by showing in the most subtle and candid way how strong these women are.” – Time (Europe)

IS THE NET GOOD FOR THEATER?

While many theater lovers bemoan that Internet culture is eroding the audience for live performance, one critic at least sees it differently. “The current state of play is actually decidedly encouraging on many fronts. I would hazard a guess that the recent drive towards cheap TV programming and its dumbing down have driven ranks of citizens out of their living rooms in search of better arts and entertainment in public venues.” – The Independent (UK)