Chicago has invested millions in a cultural building boom downtown. But the downtown institutions are of a type – and where are the African-American, Latino and other minority cultural institutions? And why aren’t they complaining about being shut out? The answers are confusing and complex. – Chicago Tribune
Tag: 01.30.00
SAME OLD SAME OLD
Covent Garden’s now-famous technical problems with its renovated building have brought renewed focus on some longstanding issues: Ticket prices are scandalously high for a publicly-funded company. And the work being produced is old and recycled. The sniff of revolt is in the air. – London Sunday Times
MUSICAL EXCAVATION
A new auditorium is being carved out below Carnegie Hall’s historic main hall. – New York Times
WE LOVE BIMBOS
New generation of women artists are the “so-called Bad Girls, the latest cool school in the art world. Defying the rules of sisterhood, they elevate high-school stereotypes – the slut, the bimbo, the messed-up chick – into the realm of art.” – New York Times Magazine
SUMMING UP THE CARNEGIE
The impact of international art surveys like Pittsburgh’s Carnegie International showcasing installation artists has been diluted by the proliferation of such shows and a somewhat static cast of artists. Still, there was much to ponder at this year’s edition. – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
DAYS OF RECKONING
No one disputes Peter Eisenman’s talents as an architect. But “Eisenman has defined his position in theoretical, abstract and academic terms that defy comprehension by a general audience. The audience, in turn, has responded by wondering why it should care.” Six new designs should tip the balance of his reputation. – New York Times
PIRATE POWER
The Federal Communications Commission recently approved licensing of micro-radio stations, and thousands of low-wattage broadcasters are expected to take to the air, increasing the diversity of voices. This despite vocal opposition by the radio industry. How did it happen? Thank the low watt pirates. – Reason 01/30/00
FRENCH SINGING LEGEND —
— Charles Aznavour launches his new musical “Lautrec” – about the French painter – in London. – BBC
“GIRLFIGHT” —
— wins top prize at Sundance Film Festival. – New York Times 01/30/00
EUROGLAIS
Amidst the talk of American cultural encroachment, Europe is struggling with its unified identity. “There is a struggle going on to create a cultural identity for this united Europe, and one of its arenas is the European film. If defining that identity now is more elusive artistically, financially and geographically than ever before, one thing is certain: the film will be in English.” – New York Times 01/30/00