The PMA reopened on September 6 after almost six months of closure. In August, the museum laid off 85 of its employees; an additional 42 workers accepted voluntary separation agreements. The decision to reduce staff was announced two days before the outcome of a union vote at the museum in which 89% of workers voted “yes.” The August layoffs followed a reduction of over 20% of the museum’s workforce (100 employees) in June through a combination of furloughs and voluntary separation agreements. – Hyperallergic
Tag: 11.20.20
Actor Wes Studi Revisits ‘Dances With Wolves,’ And How Native Depictions Have Changed On TV And Movies
Some things have improved – and others have far to go. Studi: “We’re getting to see Natives in contemporary situations and still bringing it as skins — as Indians. It’s never enough, and never soon enough, but we’ve got to live with the world we have.” – Yahoo! Entertainment
Artists Are Turning London’s Residences Into Street Galleries
The newly developed (for Britain’s second lockdown) Artists’ Walk has more than 115 artists signed up so far – meant for London, yes, but including artists as far away as Wales. One artist: “It’s a great idea and affords people a different experience during their daily walks. … It does mean that those who would be reluctant to set foot in a gallery can still view contemporary art, and others can get their fix.” – The Guardian (UK)
Nelly Kaplan, Director Of Films Including ‘A Very Curious Girl,’ Has Died At 89
The Argentine turned French director, whose death was caused by COVID-19, made “witty, satire-tinged French films about female empowerment and revenge.” – The New York Times
After Poets House Suddenly Closes And Lays Off Staff, Accusations Of Retaliation Arise
What’s going on at the nonprofit foundation “co-founded by Stanley Kunitz, the nation’s 10th Poet Laureate, and Elizabeth Kray, a devoted supporter of poets in New York City”? The ex-staffers, all of whom were laid off in a Zoom call, have some ideas. “The move followed months of staff-led organizing to hold management and the board accountable for ‘frequent complaints of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and exploitative labor practices,’ says a statement authored by ex-staff in response to Poets House’s announcement.” – Hyperallergic
Bringing A Social Sculpture To Life During The Pandemic
And at a retirement home, at that. “With the 31-acre community as her canvas and its 500 residents and staff members as her medium, [Elizabeth] Turk envisioned ‘a wild garden on steroids” for a moving-art installation.” – The New York Times
As ‘Queen’s Gambit’ Shows, The Stories We Choose To Tell Can Change Lives
Chess sets are sold out all over the United States, and little kids (and adults) of all genders are suddenly very, very into chess. What if Queen’s Gambit had been the rage 50 years ago, instead of, or alongside of, stories about Bobby Fischer? – Los Angeles Times
Can’t Travel, Can’t Go To Concerts, But This Irish Cellist On YouTube Is Bringing The Joy
Like many musicians, Irish cellist Patrick Dexter decided to post performances to YouTube during Irish lockdown. He thought, well, what the heck, now I have time to play music outside for other people. “The open-air recitals, shot outside his picturesque cottage in Mayo on the rural west coast, have been viewed millions of times.” – BBC
As If British Bookstores Aren’t Having Enough Trouble, Books Can’t Get Into Port
Yes, it’s partly due to Brexit, and partly due to the pandemic, but the port at Felixstowe backed up so far that some companies won’t even try to import. “People are contacting us saying they’ve paid for books on pre-order as gifts, and we ultimately can’t guarantee delivery.” – BBC
How Bollywood Is Adapting To The Coronavirus
Bollywood is up and running again, kind of. Some adaptations: Very restricted international travel, smaller numbers of people allowed for dance scenes, and sprinkler systems that douse costumes in disinfectant. Still, the infection numbers continue to mount. One director: “All I could think was, it’s like you’re a sportsman and the rules of the game have changed.” – Los Angeles Times