On Friday Morning I went to the Prosperity Council Report on the Arts. Some very good ideas, one being that we create an accelerator center for the arts. Our local Accelerator Centre in the R and T park is helping small businesses get started. One recently was an automated car counter for roads for example.
A barnraising committee is being formed to get money from the region and cities and businesses, etc.
I pointed out that we are in a recession and while I like the idea, taxpayers are always concerned about tax increases. What are they going to do to help politicians who are generally supportive since it only takes one election to sweep us all away (whatever level we are). Panel said they have to get public onside and also help us (Yup)
But in any case, that evening I went to the opening of Impact 09 and the play put the avant in avantguarde. Mayor Halloran was there too. The audience was mostly young people.
The first tweny minutes was very Warhol, twenty minutes (It felt like twenty minutes!) of watching hands washing a pan of dummy hands. Squeaking away. Then a lot of Waitng for Godot and Warhol moments for instance long videos of chinese waiting for a bus. I know they have lost me when I am examining the clothes the actors wear. They got a standing ovation, but it was not for me. (Turns out it was about Sars panic, now I kind of get it)
Anyway, my point is, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have avant garde stuff just cause I don’t get it. Weird stuff can help creativity. BUT, I would have a hard time justifying it with the public who were so against our tame art for a Roundabout.
That being said, right now we have lots on the edge, the Impact09, CAFKA contemporary art and Word on the Street, all on one week end. A vibrant arts weekend that needs supporting.
Jane Mitchell's Blog 