“Works of art that belonged to Gianni Versace sold at a London auction on Thursday for almost three times the presale estimate, despite the fact that a star attraction had been pulled on suspicions its was stolen.”
Tag: 03.20.09
Bad Economy? What Bad Economy? Maastricht Art Sales Brisk
As the 22nd European Fine Art Fair, which closes on Sunday, opened its doors to the private viewing on March 12, the rush of hundreds of well-heeled prospective buyers to get in first was as feverish as ever. Transactions were concluded there and then at prices that would not have been higher the previous year.
Ticketmaster Loses $1 Billion
“Citing declining ticket sales, costs associated with layoffs and a massive impairment charge, Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. swung to a loss of $1.07 billion on revenue of $384 million in the last three months of 2008, the company reported Thursday.”
Hollywood Bets Big On 3D (But Will It Pay Off?)
“Hollywood pushed 3-D in the 1950s and again in the 1970s and 1980s, but those efforts left moviegoers with little more than a headache. While the 3-D technology on display in films like “Monsters vs. Aliens” is more sophisticated, it remains to be seen whether people will still be drawn to it after its novelty has worn off. Many theater owners say they wonder if it makes sense to raise ticket prices more in a downturn. And the technology, which relies on actually going into theaters, may have little effect on home-video sales.”
For Bands, Success On The Internet Can Come Fast (And Just As Quickly Go)
“Musicians and industry players alike say success is tricky to gauge in an era when fame from a commercial placement or a rush of blog postings can disappear as quickly as it comes.”
UK Jobs For Architects Disappear
“Office of National Statistics figures released this week show that between February 2008 and February 2009 the number of architects claiming benefits rose by 760% from 150 to 1,290 – the biggest increase among recorded professions. The second biggest increase was among architectural technologists and town planning technicians.”
Another Loss For Texas Ballet Theater
“Andre Silva, widely acknowledged as one of the star dancers for the Texas Ballet Theater, will be leaving the company after the ballet’s last performances this season to join” Montreal’s Grands Ballets Canadiens.
London’s Cultural Olympiad Announces A Dozen Commissions
“The first of the major projects for the Cultural Olympiad, the slew of arts projects linked to the London Olympic Games in 2012, was launched yesterday. Artists Taking the Lead is a series of 12 commissions planned to come to fruition in 2012.” Artists in any genre may compete for one of the commissions, and the works will be spread throughout the UK.
One Down, Two To Go At Philadelphia Orchestra
“After a queasy freefall, the leadership of the Philadelphia Orchestra is regaining its footing. Richard B. Worley, a wealthy and, by many accounts, knowledgeable orchestra lover who has served in several board capacities, was elected chairman of the Orchestra Association Thursday.” Ongoing are searches for a president and a permanent music director.