That New TV Channel, Netflix

Netflix has greenlighted four new series and is planning even more. Why? “To some degree, Netflix was essentially forced into doing original programming. The kind of series Sarandos coveted most — critically acclaimed serialized dramas from HBO and Showtime — were never going to make their way to the streaming side of Netflix.”

When Artists Take On Social Issues, Do We Give Them Too Much Credit?

“It’s easy to understand why curators, critics and others have a soft spot for artists engaged in ‘social practice’ — those who roll up their sleeves and use their skills to try to bring about some sort of real-world change, whether raising awareness about domestic violence or helping to rebuild post-Katrina New Orleans. But is it possible that when it comes to social practice that the art establishment has a blind spot too?”