Category: issues

“Many people who take up artistic pursuits after retiring from their primary careers talk about rediscovering feelings they haven’t experienced in years–or finding something inside themselves that they never knew existed. Their newfound avocations often evoke an interest they explored in their youth.”

“As the axe falls on public spending, with Arts Council England losing 30% of its budget over the next four years and national museums cut by 15% over the same period, giving by individuals has been touted as, if not a cure-all, then something that can help staunch the blood-flow.” But will it?

“An Ontario bill that was introduced in response to allegations that Ticketmaster was reselling concert tickets at inflated prices is moving closer to becoming law. The bill, the Ticket Speculation Amendment Act, makes it illegal for a company to resell its own tickets at a higher price through a related company.”

“The survey also shows agreement across all regions of the province and all demographics, although women, those with higher education and those living in larger communities are typically the most ardent arts supporters.”

“It’s disturbing how easily the coalition has played a game of divide and rule. Each sector of public-funded Britain has fought its own battle in isolation from the rest. This means that in effect, museums have competed with scientists, theatres with universities. Do I want Britain’s museums to stay free and strong? Yes. But not at the expense of the destruction of scientific research or university teaching.”

“There was a mixed reaction from the cultural world to the planned cuts, with national museums breathing a sigh of relief that they will get off lightly with a 15% cut, and those in the arts – including theatre, music, dance, opera and festivals – contemplating what National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner called a “dismaying” 30% cut to Arts Council England (ACE).”

“The entries confirmed that there are 10-18-year-olds out there with perceptive, funny things to convey about subjects ranging from the Selfridges building in Birmingham to tattooed LA rockers Buckcherry. What’s more, the best of our critics seemed to be predominantly female – of the 14 finalists, only three were male.”

“Opera House staff will learn on Monday about a major restructure, amid concerns that arts programming will be downgraded and jobs will go.” At least two senior positions have been eliminated: director of performing arts and director of commercial and operations.

The National Museum of American Jewish History, opening next month in Philadelphia, faced a dilemma: “Should the museum be open Saturdays – even though Jewish law forbids work and commercial transactions? Or should the museum be closed Saturdays – missing out on up to a quarter of its anticipated admission revenue?” They found an innovative solution.

2010’s list, put together by Americans for the Arts, includes – alongside such familiar names as Con Edison, Capital Bank and Conoco Phillips – Iowa’s M.C. Ginsberg Jewelers and Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. (Who knew?)