“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.”
Tag: 10.29.08
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.
D.C. Fundraisers Starting To Show Signs Of Strain
With the American economy in the tank, even Washington socialites are having to cut back on extravagances, and that could spell bad news for the charities and arts groups that count on a regular procession of black-tie fundraisers.
Restoring New Orleans’ Cultural Luster
Prospect.1 New Orleans, a new and eclectic art biennial in the Crescent City, opens this weekend. “Billed as the largest exhibition of contemporary art ever held on American soil, the biennial is intended to help restore the cultural vibrancy of a city that remains on its knees three years after Hurricane Katrina. “
Could UK’s Famous Summer Fests Be Snuffed Out?
“A looming recession, surging unemployment and lack of investors is likely to push many smaller and medium scale events out of business” in the UK, according to experts, and the summer music festival scene could be a major source of casualties. “Estimates suggest the UK festival industry was worth about £900m in 2008.”
Canadian Arts Cuts Won’t Hit Olympic Culture Fest
“Olympic organizers in Vancouver may be tightening purse strings during this volatile economic climate but the 2009 Olympiad arts festival will not be on the chopping block… More than 100 projects will take place during the Olympiad and 85 per cent will be by Canadian acts.”
Managers Accused Of Bilking Prominent Composer
Scottish composer and current Master of the Queen’s Music Peter Maxwell Davies “was left temporarily unable to compose and had to borrow from friends after money was allegedly found to be missing from his accounts. Scotland Yard said yesterday that Michael and Judith Arnold, his former managers, had been charged with the theft of £447,000.”
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.”
Raphael Madonna Gets The Sistine Chapel Treatment
Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch returns to display in Florence next month after a decade-long restoration process – and the transformation is every bit as striking as the results of cleaning Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. (Article includes before-and-after photos.)