Category: issues

“The selection of Georgia Tech University president Wayne Clough is a return to the practice of having a scientist occupy the top position at the Smithsonian, a tradition that began in 1846 with renowned Princeton physicist Joseph Henry. Clough follows banker Lawrence M. Small, whose promises of boosting institution coffers were overshadowed by controversial decisions and questions about his compensation and spending.”

When exactly did the use of blackface become acceptable again? “Since we’re all supposedly post-racial, some white comedians feel it’s allowable to use makeup to portray black characters with empathy or just for laughs… Though the burnt cork and garish lipstick seem consigned to the bin of bad taste, there are different levels of subtlety in whites playing black dress-up.”

The city of Dallas is expanding its already impressing cultural district with the construction of a new performing arts center with a huge outdoor performance space. But the Dallas Symphony isn’t happy about the outdoor venue, complaining that amplified sound will penetrate its own 19-year-old concert hall just next door. The city is attempting to mediate the dispute.

The city of Edinburgh has cut its funding for Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet to zero, leaving the companies furious but helpless. The city council wants the companies to apply for funding on a per-project basis rather than expecting an annual subsidy.

“Despite the economic downturn and fears of recession, major charities say their fund-raising has not fallen off… In fact, some 64 percent of the organizations that have responded so far to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ annual survey on fund-raising have reported bringing in more money in 2007 than the year before.”

“Unemployed artists in Denmark should teach in schools instead of just receiving unemployment benefits, the ministries of culture and education have proposed. Although Denmark has the lowest rate of unemployment in the European Union at 2.7%, graduates from art schools are far more likely to be jobless than the average Dane.”

Milwaukee’s United Performing Arts Fund, which “provides core operating funds for 16 member performing arts groups, as well as grants to several others in the greater Milwaukee area,” is boosting its annual fund drive by $250,000 and hopes to raise $10.6m this year.

In Iraq, the studying of music and dance is problematic these days. “In the fragmented tribalism of Baghdad, playing music is not merely an ideological offense to some but also indicates a distinct level of education or income, and can catch the attention of criminals.”

“In the fall of 2004, 50.6 of professional full-time employees in higher education (excluding medical schools) were faculty members. In the fall of 2006, for which data were released Tuesday, 48.6 percent of professional, full-time jobs in higher education were held by faculty members.”

“The music industry is finally coming round to the idea that working with, rather than against the technological revolution might lead to a more profitable, and a more peaceable relationship with the fans that drive the new distribution platforms (ISPs) who serve that fanbase with vast choice.”