We’re watching more TV worldwide, except in Asia. “The annual Eurodata TV Worldwide study found that average world TV viewing figures rose slightly, to three hours and three minutes per day. Regionally, Asia-Pacific fell to last spot from third, with an average of two hours 33 minutes, down by six minutes. Japan leads the way with an average of five hours per day, trailed by the US on four hours 46 minutes.”
Blog
What’s At Stake: National Ballet Of Canada Comes To NY
The National Ballet of Canada is back touring, and after a seven year absence, has performed in New York. Being seen in the dance capital is as much about image as dance: “When Americans see that we represent world class standards in the arts, it gives us a different image than mountains and Mounties. A visit such as that of the National Ballet to the Brooklyn Academy is crucial to what we do here.” But the reviews have not been kind, and the theatre was not full. So what now?
Miami Art Museum Chief Steps Down
The Miami Art Museum is losing the only director it has ever known, with Suzanne Delehanty stepping down after nearly 11 years. “Delehanty’s resignation comes at a critical juncture for MAM: a $100 million bond issue passed in November will take the museum to a newer, larger home. And Miami’s art scene has exploded in the last several years, with galleries and private collectors’ warehouses popping up throughout the Design District and Wynwood, and Art Basel Miami Beach bringing thousands of collectors every December. The museum is in the midst of a $75 million fundraising drive.”
In Ohio: Smoking For The Arts
“The Ohio House Finance Committee made a change to the proposed state budget Monday morning that would allow cigarette taxes in Cuyahoga County to be raised by as much as 25 cents per pack to support a countywide arts and cultural district.”
Why You Want To Be A RingHead
Why are people so fanatical about wanting to see Wagner’s Ring cycle? “The enthusiasm of the hardcore “Ring” fans must have a major effect on people wanting to see The Ring” again and again. Compared to the average opera and symphony performance, the rampant exuberance and giddiness of the audience here was infectious and unmatched in all but a few other concert events. Just as important was the camaraderie. Not strangers, this was a group of acquaintances through the common love of “The Ring.” Opera crowds are often icy by nature; this one was inviting. Every time I walked back to my hotel I got in a long conversation about “The Ring” with a different person, most people I had never seen before. Who wouldn’t want to again be a part of a crowd like that if you are remotely into opera? The passion rivaled fans of a team in the playoffs, but with art, music and philosophy on everyone’s lips.”
The Walker’s Bold Gamble
The new $70 million Walker Art Center addition takes architectural chances. “Like much modern art, the 130,000-square-foot addition that opens April 17 takes a provocative stand. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron of Basel, Switzerland, its one-story glass-clad wing is topped by a six-story rumpled cube wrapped with squares of perforated metal mesh.”
Sony: Movies That Smell
Sony has patented an idea for smelling movies. “The Japanese electronics giant hopes to develop a device that will bombard viewers with pulses of ultrasound that will stimulate neural activity in our brains and have us smell something we’re seeing on the screen. Not only that, but we’ll be able taste on cue and, possibly, have the sensation of being touched.”
Secret Service Investigates Art Exhibit
The US Secret Service is investigating an art exhibit at Columbia College in Chicago. “Two federal agents arrived at the exhibit’s opening night Thursday, took photos of some of the works and asked for the artists’ contact information. The agents were most interested in Chicago artist Al Brandtner’s work titled “Patriot Act,” which depicted a sheet of mock 37-cent red, white and blue stamps showing a handgun pointed at Bush’s head.”
Royal Opera House Dominates RPS Award Nominations
“London’s Royal Opera House leads the race for this year’s Royal Philharmonic Society Awards with seven nominations. Its performers John Graham-Hall, Ben Heppner and Janice Watson dominate the best singer category. And the prestigious London venue’s music director Antonio Pappano is shortlisted for best conductor.”
In Minneapolis: Wireless Internet As Basic Public Infrastructure
The city of Minneapolis is to go wireless. The city will be covered with a wireless internet connection available to anyone. “Consumers would be able to buy broadband access of 1 million to 3 million bits per second for $18 to $24 a month — a bit slower than wired cable modem service but about half the price. The network also is expected to create an economic incentive for businesses to locate in Minneapolis. If someone gets off a plane at the airport and signs up for Minneapolis Internet service, they can sign on with one password anywhere in the city.”