A web discussion at SocialEdge, a program of Skoll Foundation, is exploring the idea of strategic storytelling — or the promise and challenge of creating more compelling narratives about our work. While all agree that narrative is a powerful force in conveying purpose and meaning, it also has a controlling side that should lead us […]
Archives for September 2007
We manage what we measure, so let’s measure what we value
Since metrics are the mantra of public education these days (No Statistic Left Behind), it’s been difficult for arts education to maintain a stake in the larger conversation. Without hard numbers about the current state of arts education, neither policy-makers nor parents could argue in anything but vague and emotional terms. Thanks to an astounding […]
What is scientific literacy? An essay contest helps decide
In the quest to define and advance ”scientific literacy,” SEED Magazine has hosted an essay contest for the best answer to the question: ”What does it mean to be scientifically literate in the 21st Century?” Both the first and second place winners are worth a read. Both have relevance for leaders in the arts. In […]
A Friday diversion
This week’s weblog conversations about intelligence, authenticity, and evolution found a fitting closure in the YouTube video featured on ArtsJournal.com yesterday. The overview of Theo Jansen and his extraordinary work with kinetic sculpture and hand-crafted biology is just the thing to remind us about the energy, insight, and mind-transformation our colleagues in the arts can […]
Evolution vs. adaptation vs. ultimate good
I’m slogging my way through the fascinating economics book Culture and Prosperity by John Kay (known as The Truth About Markets in its original UK release). Kay offers a thoughtful and detailed overview of how markets work, or don’t work, and how economists have succeeded and failed at describing that functionality over time. He’s also […]
Faking authenticity
I know that a weblog post on a four-month-old article may be equivalent to a baker’s “day-old bread” bin. But if the bread still feeds a hunger, I figure it’s worth the offense. And Bill Breen’s article on authenticity from Fast Company has lots of caloric value for arts and cultural managers, even if it […]
At least one indicator changing in our favor
David Brooks has a great Op-Ed in the New York Times (requires subscription, probably) on the diminishing influence of I.Q. as a measure of intelligence. While the conception of the intelligence quotient had some basis in observable fact, Brooks suggests that it was always a bit inelegant and opaque in describing such a complex characteristic. […]
Rethinking city transformation
The CEOs for Cities blog flags a growing question in community redevelopment: Is our common wisdom about revitalizing lagging cities actually true? The entry builds on this article in the Boston Globe, questioning the perceived success of Lowell, Massachusetts, which has long been a model for other efforts nationwide. Says the Globe: On key economic […]
Next comes free agency
While the arts may not have the vibrant fantasy leagues I posted about yesterday, at least we have trading cards. Yesterday also saw a few stories on the Houston Symphony’s musician trading cards (in the Houston Chronicle and on NPR). While not intended to spark trading and competitive bets, the cards turn out to be […]
Okay, so how about a ‘fantasy orchestra’ league?
Public radio’s ”Marketplace” ran a quick segment last week on the rise and wealth of ”fantasy football” leagues. These are formalized networks of fans who create their own fictional teams, and analyze the stats of their real-world players to determine the winners and losers. The virtual leagues make real money, drawing membership dues, internet subscriptions, […]