It’s not yet entirely clear to what extent Dundee’s plan to replicate the Bilbao Effect will work. Certainly, the V&A Dundee itself is impressive—as well it should be, given that its initial predicted budget of £27 million ($35 million) rose first to £45 million ($59 million) and then to £80 million ($105 million), with the lion’s share coming from public funds. Designed by Kengo Kuma, the building is an unquestionably evocative one that, depending on your viewpoint and the weather, might seem to resemble a cliff, the bones of some giant sea creature, or a ship.
Tag: 09.25.18
Report: Cultural Attendance Is Up In Scotland
Attendance at cultural events or places in the country, which was 78% in 2012, has now risen to 84%. The figures include attendance at live music, cinemas, museums, theatres and libraries. When cinemas are excluded, the proportion of people attending cultural events or places has risen from 70% to 77% during this period. The biggest rise was for historical and archaeological sites.
At Work With The Sound Mixer At The Metropolitan Opera
David Frost controls the soundboard for all of broadcasts for terrestrial and satellite radio, for the company’s in-house records, and for the HD cinema simulcasts. Joshua Barone watched him work on opening night: “He sits in a booth, following along with a conductor’s score and constantly adjusting several dozen faders, dials that control the levels on microphones set up onstage and throughout the orchestra pit. With the appearance of an organist juggling complex polyphony, he aims to match the high quality of studio recordings — only in real time.”
The Rehabilitation Of Mel Gibson
“The Hollywood redemption machine is always ripe for satire, since its formula is so depressingly simple. Take one once-beloved artist, add a bottled statement of apology, give them just long enough for their worst misdeeds to fade somewhat from public memory, and combine with the industry’s never-ending desire to use great artistry as an antidote to past sins.”
When I Danced With Arthur Mitchell In Moscow At The Height Of The Cold War: Allegra Kent
“Arthur and I were dancing in Balanchine’s Agon, with music by Igor Stravinsky, the last ballet on the program. Balanchine was nervous. The cast was nervous. But not Arthur. (Arthur was never nervous.) In the wings before our pas de deux, he could see I was jumping out of my skin. He said, ‘This is just a small town, Allegra’” What he said was so ludicrous that it calmed me down.”
Getty Institute Launches New African American Art History Initiative
“The initiative, which launched with a $5-million endowment, aims to establish the Getty as a primary center of scholarship, research and education for African American art and as a model for like-minded endeavors in the field.”
Video Game Maker That Laid Off Staff En Masse Hit With Class-Action Lawsuit
Last week, after a series of unfortunate events, Telltale Games — the studio behind the Walking Dead series and Minecraft: Story Mode — abruptly laid off 90% of its employees. Now a lawsuit alleges that Telltale “failed to pay its laid off workers their respective wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, accrued holiday pay, and accrued vacation for 60 working days following their terminations,” as required by California law.
Sculptor Isa Genzken Wins $100,000 Nasher Prize
“For four decades, Ms. Genzken has drawn praise for her exploration of many aesthetics and mediums, including video, photography and collages. Her perceptive architectural installations and their historical themes, including reconstruction in Germany and the War on Terror, have made her one of the leading artists of the postwar era.”
Akron Symphony Extends With Music Director Christopher Wilkins Through 2021
“Wilkins has been music director for the 65-year-old orchestra since 2006, and is the sixth conductor.”
New Research: Two Members Of Gainsborough’s Family Were Murdered
The murder victims were the artist’s uncle (1678-1739), who lived in a neighbouring street in Sudbury, and his cousin (1709-39), who then worked in London. Both were also named Thomas. Biographers of the artist since the mid-19th century had failed to note these murders in the family.