She got a fellowship to an artists’ retreat in Italy; the play based on her memoir Fun Home won rafts of award nominations, was a Pulitzer finalist, and became a minor cause célèbre in South Carolina; the “Bechdel test” became common currency in movie circles – and then she got a MacArthur award. (includes video)
Tag: 09.17.14
Why You Should Read Alison Bechdel’s Old Comic Strip
“Just as Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series wended its leisurely, funny and warm way through the evolving gay and transgender communities in San Francisco, Dykes to Watch Out For dives deep into a fictional lesbian community, considering the impact of transgender politics, marriage and even the death of independent bookstores on her characters. … Did I mention that the strip is fabulous, funny reading?”
There’s One Place Where They’re Still Buying CDs
“Around the world, the music business has shifted toward downloads and streaming. But in Japan, the compact disc is still king” – and Tower Records still has 85 stores.
Finally, Playwriting Awards Are Going To People Who Want To Write Plays (And Not Hollywood Scripts)
Charles McNulty: “Don’t look now, but a positive trend seems to be developing: A bumper crop of talented American playwrights more interested in artistic expression than commercial validation is being recognized with the most prestigious awards and lucrative fellowships available.” Exhibit A: the MacArthur Fellowship that just went to Samuel D. Hunter.
Decision On Gehry’s Eisenhower Memorial Design Put Off Again (They Couldn’t Get A Quorum)
“With only five of its 12 members in attendance, the Eisenhower Memorial Commission could not resolve a major design decision Wednesday, forcing another delay in the controversial project.”
Getty Foundation Launches Program To Fund Conservation Of Modern Architectural Landmarks
“The Getty Foundation has announced a major new conservation initiative for modern architecture, funding work on 10 landmark designs around the world including Jørn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House in Australia, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Chicago and the Ray and Charles Eames residence in Pacific Palisades.”
Top Posts From AJBlogs 09.17.14
Wellbeing and how to fund the arts
AJBlog: For What it’s Worth | Published 2014-09-17
Here’s What Art Museums Need: A Selfie Ban
AJBlog: Real Clear Arts | Published 2014-09-18
4X4 Baroque Music Festival: Bach’s subversive multiple messages
AJBlog: Condemned to Music | Published 2014-09-17
Who Still Buys CDs?
AJBlog: CultureCrash | Published 2014-09-17
Guggenheim Helsinki Gets 1,715 Architectural Submissions (with no assurance it can proceed)
AJBlog: CultureGrrl | Published 2014-09-17
Being Local
AJBlog: Engaging Matters | Published 2014-09-17
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An Idea To Encourage New Musicals In Chicago
“The idea behind the project is to create a seed organization that exposes new musical works to producers, directors and the public.”
Meet This Year’s MacArthur Genius Arts Recipients
There are six of them…
Amazon Becomes A Big Player In Hollywood
“Like other online video services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle and YouTube, Amazon has been investing heavily in original programming to grab some business from traditional networks and cable channels.”