John McCann: “Let’s consolidate the numerous national discipline-specific arts service organizations into one robust, influential, and vital American Institute for the Arts. Each discipline would have its own division where areas of specific need could be addressed, yet the new Institute would provide substantial economies of scale (no need for many CEO’s, development officers, etc. etc.), and a cohesive, coordinated approach toward three significant outcomes.”
Tag: 09.24.09
Major New News Media Project For The Bay Area
Coverage will include original Bay Area content focusing on topics “increasingly underserved by commercial media outlets,” the group said, including government and public policy, education, the arts and cultural affairs, the environment, food and wine, and “neighborhood news.”
When An Orchestra Principal Jumps Ship (Not Good)
Is careerism trumping institutional loyalty among some principal musicians in some quarters of today’s symphonic world.? “Star players seem to be jumping from orchestra to orchestra more casually, and more often, barely sticking around long enough to make a lasting imprint on their ensembles. And that’s a pity.”
Royal Ontario Museum Chief To Retire
After nearly a decade of heading up the Royal Ontario Museum and leading a bold expansion project designed by Daniel Libeskind, William Thorsell plans to step down as the ROM’s director and CEO.
Vancouver Opera: Our Ninth Surplus In Ten Years
“The company has announced it ended its fiscal year on June 30, 2009, with a modest surplus of $54 on a budget of $9.1 million. Earned and contributed revenue streams increased, it says, and its January 2009 production of Carmen set box-office records for the fastest-selling show in its history.”
L.A.’s MOCA Starts Solving Its Money Problems
“The Museum of Contemporary Art, revealed to be in dire financial straits late last year, said today that it has raised nearly $60 million since December, hailing the figure as indication of a turnaround at the institution. The downtown museum has also coaxed two disgruntled trustees who quit during the fallout to rejoin the board.”
Agnès Varda Films Agnès Varda
“‘I’m playing the role of a little old lady,’ [the venerable filmmaker] says in the opening sequence of her new film, ‘pleasantly plump and talkative, telling her life story. And yet, it’s others I’m interested in; others I like to film.’ She’s walking backwards along a beach as she speaks.”
Bad News For Arts Workers: Study Links Sleep Deprivation To Alzheimer’s
“A lack of sleep could help toxic plaques develop in the brain, accelerating the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Publishing Arabic Lit In Hebrew
“Israeli readers are spoilt for choice when it comes to tracking down international literature in Hebrew translation.” Great novels are available from across the world – except the Arab world. A new publisher in Tel Aviv called Andalus Books is working to change that.
Houston SO Music Director Signs His Final Contract Extension
“Conductor Hans Graf is crafting an exit strategy that means he will leave his position as music director of the Houston Symphony in four years. … Graf and the board of trustees agreed to extend the Austrian conductor’s contract through the 2012-2013 season. After that, Graf will become the symphony’s first conductor laureate.”