Author: Douglas McLennan

FEEL THE BEAT

Does anyone not respond to music in some basic way? “Some scientists have recently proposed that music may have been an evolutionary adaptation, like upright walking or spoken language, that arose early in human history and helped the species survive. The ‘music gene’ would have arisen tens or hundreds of thousands of years ago, and conferred an evolutionary advantage on those who possessed it.” – The Globe and Mail (Canada)

VALENCIA’S MULTI-BILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN CULTURE

The Spanish city of Valencia is building Europe’s most ambitious millennium project. “At an all-in cost of £2 billion the project eclipses the Dome in Greenwich and even the Getty in Los Angeles. The prodigious investment provides Valencia with a spectacular new Science Museum, an IMAX cinema, a music school, a magnificent new 1,800-seat opera house, seven kilometres of promenades and two streamlined road bridges.” – The Times (UK)

SO WHO NEEDS INFRASTRUCTURE?

Earlier this year the Australian government announced it was withdrawing funding from the Australian Film Institute. The AFI is the only distributor of Australian short films and independent documentaries in the country, and the primary source of information about Australia’s television and film industry. Aussie film luminaries are criticizing the government’s decision, saying the cuts “would harm the long-term health of the Australian culture and economy.” – The Age (Melbourne) 07/18/00

  • QUIT TALKING AND RAISE MONEY: “In what is turning into a battle for industry support, the commission has hit back by saying that the AFI, which has twice claimed during the past six months to be facing insolvency, has failed to seek additional funding sources, sponsorship or strategic partnerships to maintain the threatened activities. Instead, it has devoted its resources to campaigning against the decision.” – Sydney Morning Herald 07/18/00

QUEEN OF THE KIROV

“Altynai Asylmuratova, the reigning ballerina of the Kirov, has always been a special performer, a deeply intense dancer who can squeeze every nuance out of a drama. She gives of herself so completely that it is not surprising to hear that she finds today’s cool aesthetic a little too contrived and calculated.” – The Times (London)