Leila Jancovich: “When managing the [2002] Commonwealth Games cultural programme in Manchester, both myself and our independent evaluator were asked to remove learning points from our reports for fear they might appear negative. Instead, we were encouraged to focus on celebratory facts and figures. But I strongly believed then – and believe now – that we learn more from failure than success. ” – Arts Professional
Author: Matthew Westphal
Shifts at Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco: Wilsey Steps Down, Controversy Ramps Up
Notwithstanding Dede Wilsey’s megadonor status and her 21-year tenure in the board’s top spot, her future value to FAMSF could be compromised by an eyebrow-raising opinion piece published Tuesday by the San Francisco Examiner — “Questions Emerge about Legitimacy of Museum Leadership”. – Lee Rosenbaum
How ‘The Cat In The Hat’ Chased Away Dick And Jane And Transformed American Education
“As the baby boom was hitting its peak and Sputnik was prompting much hand-wringing about the state of American education, a vigorous debate over literacy was beginning to take shape, and [Theodor Seuss] Geisel found himself thrust to the forefront of the battle.” – The New Yorker
The Man Who Made The Ojai Music Festival Cool
Before Thomas W. Morris became artistic director in 2004, the Southern California contemporary music event was respected but somewhat, as Zachary Woolfe puts it, “insular and Eurocentric … If high modernism could be cozy, this was it.” Morris opened Ojai up to the ever-more-lively American new music scene and brought in as visiting music directors (a new one each year) a range of starry, even hip artists such as Mark Morris, Eighth Blackbird, Vijay Iyer, and (this year) Barbara Hannigan. – The New York Times
Bringing ‘The Healing Power Of Dance’ To Women’s Prisons
Lucy Wallace, who has degrees in dance and psychology, brings her Dance to Be Free program of classes and workshops to 13 prisons in eight states — on a budget of $100,000 a year.- The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Is This A Moment African-American Art Has Been Waiting For?
“Indications are everywhere that this is a turning point for black artists. Collectors and museums are taking note, and prices are up. Every week brings news of black scholars being appointed to curatorial and academic positions in art. … [And] the reasons are as varied as the art itself.” – San Francisco Chronicle
What Are The Best Wall Colors For Displaying Art? Nine Curators Weigh In
No, the answer isn’t merely “white” — for one thing, there are many whites to chose from (just go to Home Depot and check the paint chips) — and for some purposes, various shades of blue, green, or yellow work even better. – Hyperallergic
Terese Hayden, Who Aided The Careers Of Untold Thousands Of Actors, Dead At 98
In addition to a five-decade career an an actor, director, producer, and teacher (among her students at Circle in the Square were Kevin Bacon, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Lady Gaga), she created The Players’ Guide: A Pictorial Directory for the Legitimate Theater, the first-ever organized and bound listing for casting directors of Equity actors, complete with photos and résumés. – The New York Times
More, More, More At Edinburgh Fringe — More Shows, More Venues, More Countries Represented Than Ever Before
“The 2019 programme … includes 3,841 shows, up from 3,548 in 2018, and 59,600 performances, up from 56,796. The programme has a record 63 countries represented, and more than 700 free shows, with more than 400 ‘pay what you want’ shows, an increase from 260 last year.” – The Herald (Scotland)
New Illinois Governor’s Capital Construction Budget Has Loads Of Money For The Arts
Gov. Jay Pritzker’s infrastructure spending bill, the state’s first major public works program in more than ten years, just passed the state legislature, and it includes over $60 million in money for capital projects at various arts institutions. And there’s another $50 million for capital projects to be allocated by the Illinois Arts Council. – Chicago Tribune