The National Endowment for the Arts is expanding and extending its writing project for military stationed overseas. “The program has been an overwhelming success. I don’t think the NEA fully appreciated the need and demand for the program when we first launched it. We have doubled the size of the program.”
Tag: 11.11.04
US Theatres Balk At Muslim Movie
The makers of a new animated movie about the live of Muhammad knew it would be a hard sell to get the picture distributed in the US. So when no theatre company would pick up the film, producers decided to rent the theatres themselves and show it. Even then, the theatre chain Loews refrused to rent out its theatres…
TV Stations Fear “Private Ryan” FCC Fines
Dozens of TV stations across the US are pulling out of airing Saving Private Ryan on Veterans Day. “They say they’re afraid the film’s scenes of extreme violence and intense adult language will lead to sanctions by the Federal Communications Commission under its new, supersize anti-indecency standards. Ironically, most of them already aired “Saving Private Ryan” when ABC ran it, unedited, to commemorate Veterans Day in 2001 and 2002.”
The Economics Of Art Theft
Stealing valuable works of art seems like a sucker’s play. With the art world on the lookout for stolen art, selling what you stole is highly problematic. “Nevertheless, art theft can be an extremely lucrative endeavor. Interpol has estimated that it is the fourth most profitable crime in the world, behind drug trafficking, money laundering and illegal arms trading. Recovering stolen art is a tricky endeavor.”
Cleveland Orchestra Musicians Approve New Contract
Musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra have approved a new two-year contract. “Under the new Cleveland agreement, the musicians will be compensated for the first time for Internet streaming of radio broadcasts. But the players will pay more for their health care, and their annual pension won’t rise during the contract period.”
Why Musicals Rule
With its expense and risk, why has the American musical not only survived but dominated the commercial theatre? “By changing, the musical has remained a truly popular form because it has shown itself capable of speaking to new generations. They grow up on Gene Kelly, but end up loving Velma and Roxie.”
V and A: Architecture Matters Again
The Victoria & Albert Museum used to care deeply about architecture. Then came 1909, and a rough century… “Now it is all change again. Architecture is back. For a start, the V & A is taking its own building, its primary architectural exhibit, seriously. An intelligent new master plan that works with rather than against the building and should culminate in the restoration of the astonishingly rich South Court, carved up and hidden in an outrageous act of vandalism in 1949.”