Category: issues

“Although freedom of speech and freedom of religion may be democracy’s headliners, it’s the less sexy-sounding freedom of assembly that, when prohibited, can effectively asphyxiate political organization. Uniting 70,000 people is no easy feat in a country where collective action is so risky. Social networking has changed that.”

“[W]hile arguments over things like the value of criticism and mainstream reviewers versus bloggers continue to rage, there is one group of writers who get consistently ignored – local critics. Yet given that most of our mainstream critics rarely travel beyond the M25, the coverage these local writers give to work happening all over the country plays a vital part in informing potential audiences what is out there.”

Arts organizations sell naming rights to their buildings (and pieces of their buildings). But a Toronto philanthropist has put an expiration date on his naming right. “As a condition of their gift, the Campbells have said the AGO’s contemporary-art space can carry their name only until 2020, whereupon the gallery is free to have another big-bucks philanthropist pay to have his, her or their names added to the centre.”

“A Jordanian writer was charged this week with insulting Islam after incorporating verses of the Koran into a book of love poetry, Grace like a Shadow, that he printed in June without government approval, his lawyer said.”

“Ireland’s much envied tax-free scheme for artists, which has been capped in recent years, has been hit another blow, with a 2% levy introduced on the incomes of top-earning musicians, writers and artists.”

“The calls to cancel the construction of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in the early ’90s during Los Angeles’ last major recession nearly succeeded, and the hall was delayed for many years. Fortunately, that didn’t succeed, and Los Angeles has a building that lifts our spirits and serves as a symbol of a great city’s aspirations. It also is an income-producing tourist attraction and magnet for downtown investment. How many times over has the hall earned its relatively paltry $265-million investment, which is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the Wall Street bailout? Who got the better deal?”

Charity benefits are feeling the effects of the wretched economy. Attendance at events is way down, and giving has dropped off…

“In this rough economy, you’d think theaters would take care of their paying customers. But as with airlines, restaurants and computer companies, the level of customer service at Chicago theaters varies. Drastically.”

“When a Muslim woman was stopped by a security guard in a Venetian museum because of her veil at the end of August, it sparked a national debate into dress restrictions that has still not been resolved.”

“Alan Bishop, chief executive of the government’s communications agency the Central Office of Information, is to take over from Michael Lynch as chief executive of the Southbank Centre next year.”