I was thrilled to see the launch of a new ArtsJournal weblog with a subject near to my heart. Flyover provides a space for four arts journalists working between the coasts and away from the major metropolitan areas of the U.S. (the folks in the ”flyover” states) to express themselves, and explore the unique challenges of their work.
As most media outlets chop back at their cultural coverage, the folks in smaller markets are particularly feeling the pain. It’s fantastic to have an oasis for such conversation. Thanks to ArtsJournal’s Doug McLennan for creating that oasis, and thanks to the four journalists for sharing their time, insights, and ideas with the rest of us.
Thanks, Andrew, for the kind plug. I would note that “Flyover” was inspired by the NEA’s series of annual arts journalism institutes, of which I have participated in two now. These institutes are aimed squarely at providing rounding experience and immersion in vital arts scenes for smaller-market arts journalists like myself. These have been among the most inspiring professional experiences of my life, and at the most recent that I attended — the 2007 institute in theater journalism, hosted by USC — I met the three other bloggers involved in Flyover. We felt it was important to try to continue that conversation about how the arts can contribute to small-city culture. I hope you and your readers will weigh in, and thanks again.