Jerome Weeks wonders if top editors at the New York Times realize how important the Times Book Review is to readers. “While many newspapers are shrinking every story to the length and mental level of a movie blurb (‘best ever!’), the Saturday Times and the Boston Globe’s Ideas section take their small stands against our rampant anti-intellectualism. They print essays, intelligent ruminations on topics and trends often prompted by books. Yes, more of these would be welcome. And yes, the Book Review needs a jolt of provocative writing and fresh thinking. But its dullness has had less to do with the nature of the books being covered and more with the genteel backscratching that passes for book criticism these days.”
Tag: 02.06.04
Jumping Hoops To Support Cleveland Arts
In Cleveland, county commissioners are trying to get more money for the arts. “The Cuyahoga County Commissioners resolved that half of the $20 million-per-year property-tax increase would go to arts groups and individuals to protect those jobs, encourage new arts enterprise and stabilize cultural assets that boost the county’s image, attracting visitors and investors. But state law prohibits the arts from being named as a beneficiary of an economic development tax. Because voters won’t see arts and culture mentioned on the ballot, campaign leaders want to make sure they understand that the levy is about both arts and general economic development, especially jobs.”
When Bodies In Seats Are More Important Than Selling Tickets…
Broadway now has a couple of businesses that help “paper” shows that aren’t selling well. “Subscribers to these services are permitted up to two tickets per performance, based on seating availability. While most tickets are for Off- and Off-Off-Broadway shows, seats for Broadway shows are not impossible to find. It’s all left to the discretion of producers, who may give away ‘comps’ when shows are in previews, underpublicized, or expecting reviewers or celebrities in the house.”
Scottish Opera Borrowing On The Future
“Finances at Scotland’s national opera company are in such a state that the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) has agreed to advance it more than half of next year’s budget to keep it afloat. Critics blame arrogant management for the crisis which could see up to 80 of its staff of around 200 lose their jobs. Although Scottish Opera enjoys huge critical acclaim for its onstage productions, it is almost as famous for its equally tumultuous off-stage dramas. In the latest twist for the opera company, it has been forced to seek £4m from the SAC in order to keep its doors open.”
Recording Industry Raids Aussie File-share Offices
The recording industry has conducted raids on the offices of the owners of file-sharing networks in Australia. “The raided sites included the office of Kazaa owner Sharman Networks, the homes of two of the company’s executives, three Australian universities and Internet service providers.” A spokesman for the recording industry said “the recording industry would launch a civil action against Kazaa in the Federal Court on Tuesday.”
Guggenheim Announces Boss Prize Finalists
The Guggenheim announces the five finalists for its Hugo Boss Prize. “Since we don’t do a biennial, this is our barometer of what’s happening in the art world globally.”
Movieoke – You Talkin’ Ta Me?
Movieoke is the latest New York craze. “All you need is a high-quality DVD system with a large screen and decent speakers, a library of films, a gang of friends and you’re off. Slot the disc into the machine and amaze or appal the assembled company with, say, your re-enactment of Robert De Niro’s ‘you looking at me?’ speech in Taxi Driver. An exhaustive knowledge of movies and a lack of inhibitions are helpful but not essential.”
The World’s Top Cities – A List
The London-based The Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked 130 cities worldwide for their quality of life, “using 12 factors including housing, education, recreational activities, health, climate and terrorism. The (EIU) survey ranked Melbourne, Vancouver and Vienna as the best cities for expatriates to live, with Perth fourth and Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney equal sixth.”
Rough Draft – Should Singers Try For More?
Are today’s young singers too cautious with their voices? Too timid to take risks in their singing? John Rockwell: “Common sense would tell us that singers (and their teachers and conductors and advisers) need to preach some limits. But they can’t be too timid. A climate of excessive caution has robbed opera of the animal excitement it needs to thrill a large audience.”
Painting Depicting Bush and Howard Draws Flack
A painting in the National Gallery of Victoria that lampoons Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s friendship with George W. Bush is drawing outraged critics. “The three-piece work fills almost half of one wall at the National Gallery of Victoria’s indigenous section. The vibrant colours belie a dark commentary on global politics, with satires of popular culture and Australia depicted as the 51st state of the US.”