“It’s no longer sufficient, say artists and educators, for theater and other art forms merely to entertain. Nor is it enough for young people to come away from an art experience being able to articulate ‘that was funny’ or ‘that was pretty’. Both society and entertainment are becoming more socially and culturally segregated (think red state vs. blue state) and academic achievement is being increasingly scrutinized under the cold, unforgiving glare of standardized testing. In that stratified environment, theaters for young people are reaching across the footlights and into classrooms — not teaching them what to think but rather how to think.”
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Want Some Music Of Your Own? Why Not Commission It?
“Patronage of music by individuals may seem like a throwback to the days when noblemen maintained court orchestras with composers to write for them. Today, a few private donors have made names for themselves commissioning new music (notably Betty Freeman, who since the 1960’s has supported the likes of John Adams, Steve Reich, Morton Feldman and John Cage), but most of the big patrons of contemporary music are linked with institutions, giving money to symphony orchestras, operas and new concert halls. As it turns out, anyone can commission a piece of music.”
Hollywood’s Plastic People
Plastic surgery is a way of life in Hollywood. “Our screens are crowded with freakishly plumped lips and breasts so round they look drawn by protractors. Easiest to spot are the plastic-surgery casualties: the character actor with misaligned ears, the actress who looks permanently stuck in a wind tunnel. These are surgery’s cautionary tales, the waning careers and lost souls who, in attempting to hang onto fame, become grotesques. The bigger the star the better the surgery. But even when you look at the best face money can buy, something seems wrong with the picture.”
Rival Exposure – Commercial Radio Broadcaster Aids Small Public Station
Tiny Minnestoa public radio jazz station KBEM is struggling. Oddly, the station’s closest rival KJZI, owned by media giant Clear Channel, has come to the station’s aid, giving it money and offering to help promote it. “In addition to the cash infusion, Clear Channel will broadcast messages on several of its Twin Cities stations asking listeners to support KBEM. It also plans to help the station with its winter jazz festival and future pledge drives.”
Death At The National Gallery (What Caused Cancer Outbreak Among Staff?)
Between 1997 and 2002, five security guards at the National Gallery of Australia were diagnosed with cancer. Nine others were also diagnosed over an unspecified period. “As management learned of the cancers, an investigation was already under way into the health and safety of the building, prompted by long-running allegations by staff and former staff that it was damaging their health and the priceless collection.” An investigation showed staff has been exporsed to “a potentially deadly chemical.”
Joffrey Abandons Plans For New Home
The Joffrey Ballet has given up on plans to renovate and build a new home, due to soaring costs. “The 48,000-square-foot structure, which has been appraised at $4.5 million, was in substantial disrepair. Construction bids to renovate the building ballooned to the upper $30 million range.”
Is The Art Market About To Bust?
The art market has been soaring, with prices shooting up as many look to art as an investment. But some are worrying that the bubble may be ready to burst. “If anything, the feverish buying suggests a kind of herd instinct and the market may well be in for a serious correction. Many of the new collectors do not have a grounding in art history or a fundamental understanding of what they are buying.”
Bollywood Woos Western Actors
A n increasing number of Western actors are going to Bollywood. “Bollywood has truly gone global. Directors are now attempting to woo non-Asian audience to increase their share in the overseas film market.”
Costco Sells Its Picasso
US big box retailer Costco has sold the Picasso it put up for sale last week. “The work, signed and dated 29 November 1970, had a price tag of $39,999 (£21,483), and was sold on Wednesday. The artwork was described as a “doodle” drawn on the blank side of a book jacket. It had been authenticated by the artist’s daughter.”
The Art Of Costco (Literally)
What’s so strange about buying a Picasso at Costco? They have an excellent return policy. “By visiting costco.com and searching under ‘fine art,’ buyers can access a list of artworks for sale by Marc Chagall, Amadeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque and others. On Wednesday, prices on the ever-changing list ranged from $21.49 to about $1,500, for a limited-edition lithograph. With a click of the mouse, you can add art to your cart.”