“In Iraq — where the fine art is considered some of the best in the Middle East — artists were both coddled and repressed. They were given studios and supplies even as their work was censored and they were forced to paint and sculpture the ubiquitous images of a heroic Mr. Hussein.” Now, other Iraqis want their buildings, their studios. “Culture was controlled by the regime. This has caused many of the new political leaders to view cultural organizations as a remnant of the old regime.”
Blog
RSC In America – Off To A Shaky Start
The Kennedy Center begins a five-year relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company. But the RSC is a troubled company right now, and its first production at the Kennedy Center amply illustrates some of the problems, writes Peter Marks.
Makarova And “Transporting” Russian Dance
“Perhaps even more than her fellow Kirov Ballet alumni and Soviet defectors Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, 62, set the controversial standard for the West’s rediscovery of the Russian style as the late 20th century’s ballet boom made dancers front-page news.”
Prosecuting Iraq Art Thieves – Closing Loopholes
A British MP is trying to close a loophole in the law that would make prosecuting those trying to sell stolen Iraqi art possible. “At the moment if somebody tries to sell an artefact that has been stolen and you can prove who it was stolen from they can be prosecuted for handling stolen goods. But if it can’t be tracked back to the original owner then they can’t be prosecuted. That’s the loophole we’re trying to plug.”
“Fastest Book” Sells Out
The “fastest book in the world” – conceived, written and printed in 12 hours by a group of 40 German writers this week, has immediately sold out of the 1000 copies printed.
SARS Scare To Cancel Toronto BookExpo?
The SARS scare in Toronto has the book industry wondering about cancelling two major gatherings – the annual American Library Association Show and BookExpo Canada, the country’s biggest bookseller event.
Art Grab – Fighting Over Riopelle’s Estate
“A year after Jean-Paul Riopelle died and plunged Quebec into mourning, the heirs of the man considered Canada’s greatest modern artist are locked in a bitter dispute over his substantial estate.”
Saving Chicago’s Buildings
Acknowledging the destruction of hundreds of architecturally important buildings in Chicago over the past decade, Chicago city officials say they’ll find new ways to protect the buildings. “Citing the damaging impact of such cases on Chicago’s physical appearance and cultural legacy, preservationists praised the city’s policy shift but said they were waiting to see the details of whatever programs result.”
A Record Of Destruction
Chicago Tribune reporters drive 1000 miles on Chicago streets documenting architecturally important buildings that have been torn down. The reporters counted 704 structures that had been demolished…
America’s Arts Squeeze
Across America, arts organizations are pressing their supporters for more help as budgets bust. “The year 2003 is proving a major challenge for advocates and fundraisers. Even with the greatest hearts and keenest minds pushing the arts-funding message, the going is tough if the money just isn’t there.”