That quote is from Max Hollein, the director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, as recorded today in an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. On Page One--and good for the Chronicle for doing that. We've known, and Met Director Tom Campbell reminded us last month, in an op-ed piece in The New York Times, that eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, as … [Read more...] about “The quality and standing of all American museums would diminish overnight.”
Government Support
What About The “Art Strike”? It’s Not So Simple
A group of artists, critics and gallerists have called for an art strike on Jan. 20. Inauguration Day. Names like Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, Julie Mehretu, Richard Serra, Joan Jonas and Lucy Lippard have asked for a shutdown of museums, galleries, studios, etc. (see picture) They have every right to do so, and I have no quibbles if they want to. These are extraordinary … [Read more...] about What About The “Art Strike”? It’s Not So Simple
Brexit And The Arts
As a former resident of the UK, admittedly a long time ago, I have been gobsmacked and riven (also riveted) by Brexit. I really felt, at the end of the day (as they say), that Britons would vote to stay. And now many of them, it seems, are having remorse. If you not been following, Google was inundated on Friday with questions originating in Britain asking what the … [Read more...] about Brexit And The Arts
Will Venice Sell Art to Stay Afloat?
On Jan. 1, I wasn't paying too much attention to the news, but The Wall Street Journal posted an article that day that should not go unremarked. Headlined As Venice’s Debts Mount, Mayor Pitches Sale of Art, Other Moves to Keep Finances Afloat, it said that the city is some $65 million in the hole at the moment and added that the mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has listed among his … [Read more...] about Will Venice Sell Art to Stay Afloat?
Can There Be Too Many Museums?
In a controversial move, Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser last week killed plans to open an Institute of Contemporary Expression at a disused, rodent-infested, leaky-roofed historic school in the city's northwest quadrant. Predictably, she was pummeled by critics, some of whom say she would rather have a commercial venture in that space (which is protected and cannot be … [Read more...] about Can There Be Too Many Museums?