[Guest post–second on this topic–by Roberto Bedoya, Executive Director of the Tucson Pima Arts Council. Mr. Bedoya reflects on the need to consider the impact of unconscious racial perspectives before we address diversity policies in the sector.] Before I offer my commentary, I want to give thanks to my peers for responding to my prompt. This inquiry into the perplexities and complexities of whiteness that we see working in the cultural … [Read more...]
Engaging the Third Rail: II
March 2, 2013 by 4 Comments
Last time your intrepid blogger embarked upon a consideration of the untouchable heart of the arts enterprise: programming. Herein we continue the journey. ---------- From the previous post: (NB: In these posts on mainstreaming engagement, I am addressing only those individuals or organizations that want broader and deeper relationships with their communities but are uncertain how to begin or even whether it is possible to do so without … [Read more...]
Engaging the Third Rail
February 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The art. Programming. The reason artists create and arts organizations exist. The untouchable heart of the enterprise. (NB: In these posts on mainstreaming engagement, I am addressing only those individuals or organizations that want broader and deeper relationships with their communities but are uncertain how to begin or even whether it is possible to do so without completely reinventing the organization.) When I began an outline of how … [Read more...]
White Is Not Transparent
February 23, 2013 by 1 Comment
Earlier this week, Roberto Bedoya challenged me to unpack "Whiteness" as it applies to the arts as a foundational exercise for conversations about diversity in the arts. As "just another liberal white guy," I find that more than a bit intimidating. However, I agree with him that the very natural tendency for society (at least majority society) to see (often unconsciously) the status quo as "how things must be" is detrimental to social health. And … [Read more...]
Considering Whiteness
February 20, 2013 by 13 Comments
[Guest post by Roberto Bedoya, Executive Director of the Tucson Pima Arts Council. Mr. Bedoya reflects on the need to consider the impact of unconscious racial perspectives before we address diversity policies in the sector.] My friend Doug asked me to respond to the recent blogs about diversity by Clayton Lord, Diane Ragsdale, Nina Simon, Barry Hessenius, and Ian David Moss that have been circulating in the arts blogosphere. With some … [Read more...]
From Here to There
February 16, 2013 by 1 Comment
Last month I promised (some might say threatened) to begin a series on the potential for mainstreaming community engagement. That is, understanding that we don't have resources to do more than we are already doing, how might we reorient the things we already do in ways that serve engagement? But before I begin, it would be incredibly myopic not to acknowledge that there is much relevant discussion going on about transformation in the field. … [Read more...]
R E S P E C T
February 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Warning: Rant Alert! Adam Huttler of Fractured Atlas fame recently blogged about data mining and preference discovery a la Amazon and Netflix as having important (although as yet unrealized and little examined potential for the arts). [Is House of Cards the Future of Cultural Programming?] This is vitally important territory, but as a self-acknowledged underachiever when it comes to research, I'll let others dig into this vital work. What … [Read more...]
Farewell Rocco
February 9, 2013 by 2 Comments
Rocco Landesman's departure from the NEA and Barry Hessenius's interviews of Rocco and his Chief of Staff, Jamie Bennett, provide an occasion to reflect a bit on Mr. Landesman's legacy in federal arts policy and advocacy. (Disclosure: Jamie has been very good to me in providing support, advice, access to NEA staff, a brief "meet and greet" with his boss, and the Foreword that Rocco wrote for my book.) I suspect (hope) that the lasting impact … [Read more...]
Balanced Learning
February 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I am just back from two weeks on the road. I spoke and "workshopped" in Toronto and Austin. (Temperature contrast! The highs in Toronto were in the teens; in Austin, in the 70's.) Thanks to everyone in both places for great hospitality and the opportunity to field test the ideas I've been developing around audience and community engagement. And, as usually happens, due to this work a new thought is creeping into the equation. Anyone in the … [Read more...]
Matter by Mattering
February 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
In Communities Take Care of Things I raised the issue of mattering. It is our marginalization from the broad public that is a principal hindrance to sustainability. If we matter to our communities, we will be supported by them in all ways that are important, including financially. How do we reach this nirvana-like state of support? (Or more realistically, how do we simply get on the community's radar screen in a positive way?) Communities must … [Read more...]
Recent Comments
richard Kooyman on The Arts Benefit from Engagement
Real engagement with art. http://channel.louisiana.dk/video/siri-hustved-art-memoryrichard kooyman on The Arts Benefit from Engagement
Doug, I think you might have it exactly backwards. A good case could be made that the respect...Stephen Pritchard on More on Artists and Engagement
Good debate. Quick response. Are Lion King sequels, popularist propaganda and American Idol REALLY what 'people' WANT? Is art in any...Larry Murray on More on Artists and Engagement
One size does not fit all. There is no one art that fits both Joe and Jody Sixpack and Mr....richard Kooyman on More on Artists and Engagement
Doug, Thank you for allowing me to have a conversation with you regarding artists, their role in society, and the...Sally Whitwell on I Blame Beethoven
I like your "hyperbolic" heading! But yes, the word 'blame' carries with it the potential for much controversy, so...Craig Fleming on Shifting the Center
A Venn diagram is crucial.Doug Borwick on I Blame Beethoven
These are terribly complex issues, admittedly not well suited to this form of discourse. I've got two more posts coming...richard kooyman on I Blame Beethoven
In the 1950's governmental officials and policy makers were concerned about the United State's standing in the world and our...John "Moe" Moore on Equity/Diversity/Change
Haven't heard back from you in a few weeks Carl. Are you around? JM