Canadian Satire Mag Folds

Frank magazine, the satirical scandal sheet that for nearly two decades savaged the reputations of some of Canada’s most powerful politicians, business leaders, celebrities and media figures… announced yesterday that it is ceasing publication of both its newsstand and online editions.”

NEA To Fund New Plays

“The National Endowment for the Arts has announced the selection of seven plays to be funded as part of its New Play Development Program. The pilot project… is designed not only to underwrite new works already in progress but also to spot successful collaborations among artists, theaters, communities and other entities that might be used as models.”

Smithsonian To Get Some $$ Back From Director

“W. Richard West Jr., who retired last year as founding director of the National Museum of the American Indian, has agreed to reimburse the Smithsonian $9,700 for payments that he should not have received.” At the same time, an internal investigation has concluded that West’s takings, while imprudent, were technically allowable under Smithsonian rules.

Saving South Bank?

“You might be forgiven for thinking that [London’s] ailing South Bank Centre has brought in the Government’s chief spinner to manage its spiralling problems, but that would be an over-simplification. Alan Bishop… will have his work cut out to restore musical confidence and budgetary discipline on the riverside site.”