“In October, the Flemish Ministry of Culture announced that the ballet company would merge with the Flemish opera, with both under a state-appointed administrator, or Intendant, who would manage the single organization. As the ballet company’s artistic director, Kathryn Bennetts, sees it, this would mean a loss of artistic autonomy, hamper international touring and mire her already underfunded company in greater practical and financial difficulties.”
Tag: 03.14.11
Collector Sues Gagosian Over Painting Ownership
Robert Wylde, “who is based in Monaco, is suing New York’s Gagosian Gallery for several million dollars, claiming that the gallery sold him the painting without telling him that it was part-owned by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.”
Labor Attorney Charged With Stealing From Dancers
“Labor lawyer Leonard Leibowitz has been indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzling funds from the International Artists of America, an independent union of dancers and stage managers that he helped create and for which he served as counsel from 1994 through 2007. He turned himself in March 14 to authorities and was arraigned in Manhattan federal court.”
Shoot Your Next Film In… Newark!
“Newark, New Jersey is auditioning to be Hollywood’s next great backdrop — a cheaper alternative to nearby New York with the architectural diversity to allow it to play almost any urban role.”
Chinese Art Market Beats UK Market
The US continued to dominate the market in 2010, with a global share of 37%. China’s share is 23%. The UK’s is 22%. The British Art Market Federation – which represents many UK dealers – said the figures made “alarming reading”.
James Frey to Self-Publish Novel About Second Coming of Christ (In the Bronx Slums)
“Controversial author James Frey is set to ignite another firestorm with his new book, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible, in which the second coming of Christ takes place in The Bronx projects — but the Messiah turns out to be a former alcoholic who impregnates a prostitute.”
Who Really Wrote Shakespeare? A Poll
“As James Shapiro’s new book rehearses the loony arguments about our greatest playwright, Robert McCrum asks some of today’s finest Shakespearean actors and directors their thoughts on the authorship question.”
Adrienne Arsht Named Outstanding Philanthropist of 2011
The woman who saved Miami’s performing arts center, “a long-time supporter of the arts and numerous other charitable causes in Miami-Dade and across the United States, has been selected to receive the 2011 Award for Outstanding Philanthropist, given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.”
How A Tiny Outsider Opera Company Beat The Big Guys
“A production of Puccini’s La Boheme, which started life in a tiny pub theatre, has slain the might of five international opera companies. The show, put on by OperaUpClose, won the best new opera production prize at Sunday’s Olivier Awards.”
The Choreographer Who Made Cirque Cool
Debra Brown “specializes in creating bizarre, hair-raising stunts that seem physically impossible. In her 25 years with the company, she has helped transform the circus into an art form.”