In the past year, the heads of all six of Hartford’s major arts institutions have left, along with a number of leaders of the city’s second-tier groups. No, the city didn’t suddenly become arts-unfriendly, and each of the arts leaders left for different reasons. But unquestionably the demands on modern-day arts administrators have increased. “Today’s arts honchos are called upon to grow, increase, enlarge, build. And in Hartford, they are seen not only as custodians of their own institutions’ destinies but as key figures in the fitful revitalization of the city itself.” – Hartford Courant
Tag: 04.04.00
A DOGGED READ
Three times a week since December, about 20 protesters have gathered outside the new Barnes & Noble store in Flagstaff, Arizona to protest the superstore retailer’s presence in their community. “I find it disturbing that communities can’t fight the intrusion of these giant chain stores unless they have a legal apparatus behind them, because big corporate trans-nationals have the legal muscle to sue cities that try to keep them out.” – Publishers Weekly
TIME TO GO
Jukka-Pekka Saraste has announced he will leave as music director of the Toronto Symphony. The orchestra recently resolved a long strike with its musicians. “While I have made many friendships and musical partnerships in Canada, I look forward to returning to Europe and working there on a more regular basis. My preference is to spend more time conducting, as opposed to being responsible for the more diverse duties of a music director, as I am in Toronto.” – Toronto Star
AIN’T IT SWEET
As Steve Wynn was wrapping up details on the sale of his casino/hotel empire, he had a flurry of meetings to negotiate a sweet deal on what would happen to the multi-million-dollar art collection. – New York Observer
WINE WITH PEANUTS
Sonoma County votes to change the name of its airport to the Charles M. Schultz Airport, in honor of the late cartoonist. – CBC