The US Supreme Court says it will hear a case “about Nazi-era stolen art to clarify when foreign governments can be sued in U.S. courts. ‘The diplomatic ramifications of a United States court holding that Austria, a nation friendly to the United States, must appear in a United States court to answer charges that it is actively advancing Nazi war-crimes in connection with a matter of extreme domestic importance to Austria, cannot be understated’.”
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Barnes Strides Toward The Future
The way seems clear for the Barnes Collection to move to Philadelphia and have a shot at becoming self-sustaining. But still, some “critics worry that the groundwork is being laid for a new ‘MacBarnes’, a user-friendly museum/mall of gift shops and computer nooks designed to maximise the number of visitors. For now, the Barnes’s petition retains Albert C. Barnes’s ban on lending or selling works from the collection but critics warn that this might be reconsidered in the future if expansion plans collapse.”
A New Biennale For Edinburgh?
There has been no small amount of grumbling about the fact that the big summer festivals in Edinburgh don’t include a visual arts component. Now a high-profile group is attempting to start one. “The summer event – which would be modelled on the lines of the Venice Biennale, Europe’s leading visual arts festival, is likely to involve exhibitions, discussions and book-signings by leading figures in the art world, as well as giving contemporary Scottish artists a showcase opportunity.”
Remembering Kirk Varnedoe
Curator Kirk Varnedoe played a crucial role in the building of the Museum of Modern Art. He “came to the museum at a transforming moment in its evolution. Circumstances forced him to leave before that transition was complete, and after a long battle with cancer he died, on August 14, at the age of 57. But when MoMA celebrates its 75th anniversary next year with the opening of its new building on 53rd Street, his indelible mark will be upon it.”
Watch For Nobel Literature Prize Announcement
The Nobel Prize for Literature – traditionally the first of the Nobels to be announced – will be revealed this Thursday. “The Nobel Literature Prize is the only Nobel Prize whose announcement date is revealed only two days in advance, and the prizewinner’s name is traditionally made public on a Thursday.”
No Nudes, Please. Not In Public
When five of 60 artists participating in a group studio show in a California county building submitted pictures of nudes, they were told they couldn’t display them. The artists were told it was a county policy for “no nudity:” “The artists were told to take the nudes down because it was our feeling since the art is being displayed in a public place where the public is not coming to the building to see art but rather to do business, that there’s a more appropriate place for the pieces. It’s a public building, they’re asking our permission to put their art there, and we have a say.”
In Search Of Help For Toronto Theatre
The Toronto Theatre Alliance is looking for a leader. The organization is at a crossroads, and its mission, as well as its effectiveness, is a bit murky. “From a clear lack of initial purpose, the problem with the organization continues with its membership policies. They boast that they represent ‘200 professional theatre, dance and opera member companies,’ but a look at those members makes you wonder what they’re using as a definition of professional.”
Pass It On – The Gift Of A Mentor
Last year Rolex initiated a program of arts mentorships, placing outstanding younger artists with older star qartists. “It began with a star-studded advisory board that included Frank Gehry, Christo and Jean-Claude, and Jessye Norman. Then the company arranged for nominations to be made by distinguished panelists working in anonymity, choosing potential protégés from a pool of 96 candidates in 39 countries. There was prize money, too: $50,000 for the mentors and a $25,000 stipend for the protégés. And of course, a Rolex watch for each.”
TV Goes Sexy
American TV is showing more and more sex. And it’s not just on cable anymore. “Experts say increased competition from pay cable channels and a general social acceptance of sexual matter has led to a loosening of standards for what gets on the air.”
Does Testing Kill A Love Of Literature?
Children’s author Philip Pullman says relentless testing of reading and writing in UK schools is causing students to hate reading. “The things you can test are not actually the most important things. When teachers are under pressure to get so many pupils to such-and-such a point, in order to meet an externally imposed target, they have to do things – for the sake of the school – that might not be things they’d do for the sake of the children.”