Heightened sensitivity to the cultural origins of artifacts is hurting museums, writes Tiffany Jenkins. “Public access, research possibilities and academic freedom are being curtailed and closed down. In the US, at the new National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, material is removed and segregated if the objects are sacred or have ceremonial status. Some may be seen only by certain privileged individuals in a specific tribe. The public may thus view only some of the material held in what is supposed to be a national collection.”
Tag: 07.04.05
Death Throes For The Videocassette
Media retailer HMV has announced it’s ending sales of VHS tapes in its stores. “VHS videos, which accounted for 6 per cent of the retailer’s turnover a year ago, now make up only 2 per cent of its sales as consumers throw away their old video recorders in favour of the newer technology.”
The Man Who Bought An Orchestra
When the founder of the Queensland Pops Orchestra in Australia died last year, the orchestra was put up for sale. Barrie Gott bought it. “What Mr Gott gets for his money includes a substantial library of scores, about 650 titles, access to the core of professional musicians who come together for each Pops concert, and the mailing list of avid listeners known as Friends of the Pops.”
What’s Wrong With The MFA’s Art Rental Program
For a second time, Boston’s Museum of Fine Art has “rented” some of its artwork to a casino gallery in Las Vegas. Why should anyone care? “The MFA’s rental deals are wrong for lots of ethical and moral reasons,” writes Tyler Green…
Hollywood Dreams Of China
Hollywood is drawn to China as a new production center. “Drawn by China’s fast-growing economy, inexpensive film production sites and its increasingly popular martial arts and feature films – most notably “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in 2000 – Western studios are stepping up their presence here and looking to eventually turn China into a major film production base.”
The 90-Minute Magic Flute
Mozart’s “Magic Flute” cut down and performed in English at the Met? “Is the cut-down, 90-minute version a first step at commercializing the Met? Some opera purists may think so. But the plan has merit. That even the brightest children have limited attention spans is a given. A family version of “The Magic Flute” at the Met would have to be done right, though. Will the run be presented at family times (matinees and early evenings), and, more important, at family prices? In principle, this is a good idea.”