Category: issues

For one thing, it’s really time to change the name of “Father Serra Park” in Los Angeles. But taking down the statues to the architect of the mission system, which brutalized thousands of Native adults and children, is a first step. And “organizers of the action (a loose group of unnamed artists and activists) say they see the toppling as a beginning, not an end.” – Los Angeles Times

Over the centuries nationalism has swung back and forth as a progressive and retrograde force, depending on historical conditions. In revolutionary France the “nation” started as a wrecking ball against feudalism and the church. Before the “nation” became defined by its limit of concern, it appeared to the Old Regime as terrifying in its limitlessness. Before the “nation” could be for anyone it had to be against specific someones: kings, priests and their enablers. Nationalism became a forest fire of fraternity that Napoleon wanted to control-burn through Europe in order to make fertile ground for the imposition of his uniform Code. – The Point

“There is every obstacle to creating art, and yet art is being created and art is being shared. It’s being done by both professionals and amateurs, by people in their homes in ways that you never would’ve expected it would thrive. Art is a portal into how we’re experiencing this.” – Washingtonian

Jill Robinson, CEO of TRG Arts, said that in North America there is an active “engine of income” from new subscription purchases and philanthropy that has limited some of the financial impact of COVID-19. – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

From prosperous Germany (a €1 billion rescue package) to destitute Madagascar (distributing bags of rice to out-of-work artists), here’s what ten countries are doing to mitigate the damage that the pandemic and shutdown have done to cultural institutions and arts workers. – The Guardian

“The report predicts that the country’s creative sector will be hit twice as hard as the wider economy in 2020, with one in five creative jobs expected to be lost. The loss could have a devastating effect on the economy at large. Before the coronavirus hit, the UK’s creative sector employed more than 2 million people, generating £111.7 billion for the economy, which is more than the combined input of the automotive, aerospace, life sciences, and oil and gas industries.” – Artnet

New South Wales was slow to establish a fund to aid struggling arts organizations, not even announcing a plan until May 24, about 10 weeks after shutdowns began. Even as Australia begins the early phases of reopening, none of the money has been awarded, and information even on how to apply or who qualifies is scarce. – The Guardian

While both publications have a long history of reporting on local arts events happening in Toronto and Vancouver, Media Central is looking to shift editorial focus towards newer, more lucrative growth areas which are closely aligned with marketing and sales. – Ludwig Van