“The YouTube Ketinoa channel contained over 1300 videos of Mariinsky & Bolshoi ballets. Last month this channel was suspended because it was found to contain a small subset of copyright protected videos featuring ballets by Balanchine. The claim was submitted on behalf of the Balanchine Trust, the body in charge of protecting the legacy of that choreographer.”
Tag: 09.02.09
The “Expert” Problem
“The problem is not the status of the expert but its politicisation. All too often experts do not confine their involvement in public discussion to the provision of advice. Many insist that their expertise entitles them to have the last word on policy deliberation. Recent studies indicate that in public debates those whose views run counter to the sentiments of scientific experts find it difficult to voice their beliefs.”
Can Creativity Be Distributed Across The Masses?
“The idea is to convert the creativity of quasi-mass audiences into an alternative to a formal research-and-development lab for a wide variety of objects.”
A Google For Ancient Texts?
“Researchers in Israel say they have developed a computer program that can decipher previously unreadable ancient texts and possibly lead the way to a Google-like search engine for historical documents.”
NY Galleries Fret Over Business
“Despite reports from the auction world that a recovery is under way, Manhattan’s gallery scene feels all pins and needles as it heads into fall. Things aren’t as bad as many expected them to be, but they could get worse.”
The National (Propaganda) Endowment For The Arts?
“Is building a message distribution network, for matters other than increasing access to the arts and arts education, the role of the National Endowment for the Arts? Is providing the art community issues to address, especially those that are currently being vehemently debated nationally, a legitimate role for the NEA?”
Alberto Gonzales, The Opera?
“The Gonzales Cantata, playing at this year’s Philadelphia Fringe Festival, is a 40-minute choral work based on the hearings that punctuated the U.S. attorney-dismissal scandal back in 2007. (Actually, every word sung is from the transcript of the hearings.)”
Council Obliterates A Banksy; Neighborhood Mourns
“An iconic stencil by street artist Banksy once celebrated by rock band Blur has been destroyed by Hackney Council. Furious residents have accused town hall officers of vandalism after painting over the image,” made eight years ago. “Sofie Attrill, 50, the building’s owner, was devastated to see workmen painting the wall black.”
Budget-Crunched Seattle Libraries Go Dark For The Week
“The city’s entire library system – from its branches to book drops to Web site – is shut down to save money. … All city departments have been told to reduce spending to make up a $43 million gap in Seattle’s 2009 budget. The public library is trying to cut 2 percent, or about $1 million, and the weeklong closure of its downtown central library and 26 branches aims to save $655,000.”
Separating The Artist From The Art
“Artists are at least as flawed as anyone else; we’ve had murderers, pedophiles, philanderers, anti-Semites, homophobes, xenophobes, Satanists, and more writing books and poems, composing music, directing films, painting and sculpting… If we remove all the art by artists of bad character from our lives, who are we hurting?”