By this time I would expect anyone who doesn’t live in what is the Last Bastion of Civilized Man in America – AKA the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul – to be utterly tired of my relentless promotion of this area. Those who are indeed tired might want to skip over this post.
Current Events
The Landing
An emotional night to say the least! There has been so much written said as to the significance of Obama’s win, and the usual “ponderings” of what now and where he stands on the arts. It’s very clear where he stands and the comparison I heard to his win and the 1969 landing on the moon does not even come close to the significance his victory represents…..
The Aftermath….
Now that the election is finally over, it would seem a good time to reflect on what the election of Barack Obama to the highest office in the land means for those of us in the Arts, as well as what it may mean for the rest of American society and our position in the world today.
The Coming Storm
More fabulous news on the Arts front – from the daily updates from organizations around the U.S. that suddenly they’re looking at multi-million dollar deficits due to the worsening economy (muchas gracias, Señor Bush!) to the wonderful news that even the government of that bastion of Liberalism – Australia – has lost it’s collective mind. One wonders if you should start building the bomb shelter.
Cultural Trust – Redistributing Wealth Missouri Style!
So when we at the Springfield Symphony (Missouri’s 3rd largest Orchestra) read the news last week regarding the ruling against the Kansas City Symphony’s lawsuit to restore funds into the cultural trust that were not put in during a certain period as the legislature felt the money at that time was needed elsewhere, our reaction was : Oh that’s right they filed a lawsuit! We had forgotten about it. Arts funding in Missouri has risen the last two years….under a Republican governor! I have a little insight into what happened and some personal experience with the whole thing including some interaction with the governor….
Columbus sails again…watch out for the headwinds!
It’s hard to be anything but pleased to hear of the Columbus Symphony returning after a prolonged and bitter battle. Sticking to their principals the orchestra was not downsized in personnel but there were many concessions that the musicians had to make, and one decision I hope is reversed, and what about Junichi?…..
Atlantic Sounds
I spent more time in the great country of Canada last week. I am particularly envious of them right now, for their Prime Minister called an election some 4 weeks ago and, lo and behold, it will be done on Tuesday. 37 days for an election, as opposed to the nearly immoral 2 freakin’ years it has taken us in the States. But that’s not really relevant here. Instead of heading towards the oil flats of Alberta I found myself wallowing in the salty waters of the Atlantic. It was my first trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I hope it doesn’t turn out to be my last.
Apathetique – The class challenges me!
On Wednesday we discussed the strikes at Shreveport and Wisconsin. My students read the articles and my post and it seems that there is a divide amongst them. There is nothing like lively debate especially amongst future arts administrators who might have to deal with big issues in difficult time such as these! The clips are below….