The ranking minority member on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure says the National Gallery of Art had told him it is committed to spending in excess of $100 million to renovate and move into the FTC’s Apex Building. As a result, the NGA could add much-needed space by expanding into a so-called North Wing at no cost to the federal government.
Tag: 12.13.07
Australian State Turbo-Charges Its Arts Funding
The Art Gallery of Western Australia has secured $10 million of public funds to buy art, a 40-fold increase in its acquisition budget, under Premier Alan Carpenter’s government plan to enliven the state’s cultural scene.
French Movie Business Suffering
“Some 160.7 million French filmgoers headed to movie theaters from January through November, a 4.7% drop from last year. Homemade fare received the hardest blow with French films representing just 36.7% of total admissions, down from 43.9% in 2006. Hollywood productions remained popular in the territory with a 50.1% market share compared to 44.9% last year.”
What Did Stockhausen Mean To Music?
“The one thing Stockhausen had more than any other composer of the 20th and 21st centuries was unshakeable self-belief. And yet, the man behind the public persona remains something of an enigma.”
Just What Do You Want In A Literary Judge?
Another unconventional choice of jurors for the Orange Prize reopens the debate about the meaning of the wards.”Unlike reviewing, with its onus on individual responsibility, literary juries are fundamentally about discussion and collective decisions, about championing (and rubbishing) books, but also being open to others’ opinions. The balance is therefore key. The ultimate aim is to serve not just writers, but readers.”
Alicia Alonso: Dancing Makes Me Strong
The 87-year-old was once one of the world’s great dancers. She’s still working with the National Ballet of Cuba: “Dancing is my life, because it is the thing I learned best, that makes me think better. It is the thing I can give to others: my knowledge, my experience, my ideas for choreography. I think that’s what keeps me alive. I feel necessary in the dancing world.”
Norman Foster Added To Abu Dhabi Roster
The Britih architect joins a list of star architects creating cultural buildings, winning a competition to design the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, which will be devoted to the history, environment, culture, and leadership of the United Arab Emirates.
Testy Exhanges At Smithsonian Senate Hearing
The “nation’s attic” needs money to repair its infrastructure. Lots of it. And Senators grilled Smithsonian officials and challenged them on fundraising. It wasn’t a friendly exchange…
Awards Shows Fret: No Writers, No Shows
Ok, so we know who’s been nominated for Golden Globes. But will the show actually take place if the writers’ strike is still on?
Online Book Published In Paper Becomes Best-Seller
“That a book derived from free online content has sold so well may allay some fears that giving something away means nobody will want to pay for it. It also encourages publishers who increasingly scour the Internet for talent, hoping to capitalize on the audiences that a popular Web site can deliver.”