Category: issues

“Foortball should be regarded as an equal art form to opera and ballet, according to the newly appointed chairman of the Scottish Arts Council. In his first statement since taking the helm of the SAC, Dr Richard Holloway, 71, criticised the “snobbish” associations that surround the Scottish art scene and insisted sports such as football and shinty deserve recognition by the nation’s cultural community.”

While some American cities have created dedicated arts funds to insure a steady flow of capital to cash-starved cultural groups, Philadelphia’s arts scene has remained largely pay-as-you-go. Now, the mayor is making it clear that he supports the idea of a $50-$100 million fund dedicated to the arts, and the business and political communities may be ready to back the plan.

Cable TV has made stand-up comedy into something of a glamorous profession in recent years. But for those struggling comics without development deals and HBO specials, stand-up is a tough way to make a living, with many New York clubs paying only $20 to $75 a set. So earlier this winter, the Big Apple’s comedians banded together to demand better pay from club owners, and to threaten retaliation if their demands weren’t met. And the funny thing is, they actually won.

Toronto is planning a major new museum for its Harbourfront district to celebrate the city’s cultural history. “Its core collection will be the more than 100,000 items ranging from 18th-century military uniforms to 20th-century industrial moulds, kitchenware and advertising signs amassed by the City of Toronto and currently stored in an unmarked building near the CNE. For the museum to open by its target date of 2010, council has to budget about $200,000 over two years for the formation of a governing board, determination of a site, and the planning of a Humanitas festival showcasing the creative energy of the city in 2006 that will move the consultant’s plan forward.”

“Five labor organizations representing America’s actors, writers, directors, and musicians have complained of the injury caused by illegal Internet downloads in a 21-page “friend of the court” brief filed in support of film and music companies led by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios.” The companies are suing download services for copyright infringement…

Toronto has been designated one of Canada’s “Cultural Capitals.” So what, says Martin Knelman? “Can we be frank? This is hardly a reason for Toronto to throw its collective hat in the air and honk its horn on Yonge St. as if the Leafs had won the Stanley Cup. The Culture Capital designation is part of the recently renewed Tomorrow Starts Today program, designed to shower money on the arts… But what if Ottawa were to embrace the notion that Canada desperately needs a cultural capital able to compete with European and U.S. cultural centres, and came to the conclusion there is only one city in Canada that can realistically aspire to achieve that goal — Toronto?”

Consolidated Works is one of Seattle’s premiere contemporary art spaces. But the organization has been going through turmoil recently, and Wednesday ConWorks founding director Mattew Richter was suddenly fired, leaving only one employee on the payroll (And he’s only been on the job two weeks).

“Arts Council England salaries have increased by an average of 66% in the past six years, despite a £10 million reorganisation in 2001 which was designed to cut costs, new research has revealed.” On top of that, Arts Council funding has been slated for a three-year funding freeze, amgering arts institutions.

Fundraisers expect 2005 will be a difficult year in which to raise money. “With fund raising growing more competitive, charities of all kinds are lavishing attention on individuals who have the potential to make significant gifts — especially after such efforts paid off handsomely last year.”