Category: issues

“Out of interviews with former child soldiers in Uganda and the Congo, Norwegian composer Rolf Wallin and Belgian director Josse de Paauw have fashioned a gripping multimedia music theater piece, Strange News. Its North American premiere by the Chicago Chamber Musicians will take place Friday night at the Museum of Contemporary Art.”

“Thanks to the one-size-fits-all anti-terrorism laws, artists from outside the EU now need to go through a complex process of finding a sponsor and getting all manner of fingerprints and face-scans prior to travelling to the UK. … [D]o we really need a scan of Robert LePage’s face to know that he’s not coming here to bomb Canary Wharf?” And that’s hardly the only problem with the laws.

“The Las Vegas City Council approved agreements and funds today for the $245 million Smith Center for the Performing Arts, which could begin construction later this month. […] The center will have a 2,050-seat multipurpose main hall and an education building that will house a 300-seat cabaret theater, and a 200-seat flexible studio theater for rehearsals, children’s theater and community events.”

“Overture Center for the Arts officials said they’re optimistic that the facility will break even this year, despite the recession. […] The entities that own the Overture are still negotiating with three banks to stave off foreclosure, but those who operate the facility itself said they are confident the arts center will do well this upcoming season [with shows like The Lion King].”

After years of one naming gift after another after another (even the escalators at Walt Disney Concert Hall have donors’ names on them), anonymous giving is growing at a fast clip. This may not be an entirely good thing …

“The Conservative party was once a cultural void associated only with the likes of Bill Wyman and Jim Davidson but since becoming leader, [David] Cameron has enlisted the help of glamorous creative types.” Now, reports say, “Tracey Emin, once a virulent critic of Thatcherism, is close to entering Cameron’s big tent. … Is this Cameron’s Cool Britannia moment?”

“The federal Conservatives continued their road-show of announcing support for the endowments of non-profit cultural organizations yesterday with a visit to Toronto announcing a contribution of $3.63-million this year to 11 arts groups in and around the city.”

“On Monday afternoon close to two million children across Canada will be singing the same song — at the same time. They’ll be singing, shouting, hollering and chanting Sing Sing, an existing song written by Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Serena Ryder.”

“Like many undergrads seeking specialized humanities degrees, student artists wonder what viable place they can occupy in a tightening economy, which now is luring young people into more stable careers in government, the sciences, health care or consulting.”

“The national curriculum is failing to prepare students for a career in the cultural sector because it is uncreative and inflexible, according to a leading school principal.”