Hong Kong proposes to build a gigantic arts complex that includes “four giant museums, four large concert halls and theaters, a school for the arts and more.” Designs for the project have already been commissioned from Norman Foster. “But the project has become the center of a bitter debate in the last few weeks. Artists here are deeply split on the idea, and a street demonstration on Christmas Day drew hundreds of protesters.”
Tag: 01.04.05
195 Added To Book Of People Who Mattered
“The lives of 195 people who died in 2001 – including Beatle George Harrison – have been added to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. The book includes biographies of kings, queens, celebrities, philosophers, assassins, builders and scientists.”
“Wall Of Air” To Protect David?
Officials in Florence are considering installing machinery that would envelope Michelangelo’s David in a constant stream of air. “The “wall of air” is one of several steps the museum is considering that could protect the statue from dirt particles without encasing it in glass. More than a million tourists are said to visit the statue every year in the Italian city of Florence.”
St. Louis On Strike
Musicians of the St. Louis Symphony voted 85-3 to strike Monday. “The impasse comes as a blow to the symphony, which seemed to be making strides after nearly going bankrupt in 2000 and after the debilitating illness and death of its former music director, Hans Vonk. The hiring of David Robertson, a darling of the critics, as music director next season had brought a sense of excitement to the orchestra.”
Central Park “Gates” Begin Installation
Installation of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” in Central Park has begun. “The $20 million project, a quarter-century in the making and financed by the artists, will go on full view on Feb. 12 and remain until Feb. 27. It is expected to attract thousands of art lovers from around the world. The artists are trying to create “a visual golden river appearing and disappearing through the bare branches of the trees, highlighting the shapes of the footpaths,” according to a brochure explaining the project. The color was chosen to cast a warm glow over the park at a gray time of year.”