Economic Turmoil and Change

“But so far, at least, things don’t look as bad in Denver as in some other parts of the United States. Planning and fundraising for the $33 million Clyfford Still Museum and $90 million overhaul of Boettcher Concert Hall are … Continue reading →

“Arts groups in the Philadelphia area are beginning to feel the bite of the fiscal crisis, but a new survey demonstrates surprising resilience in ticket sales, subscriptions, and seasonal memberships at regional venues. There has, however, been a significant decline … Continue reading →

“Theaters and orchestras are shuttering. Media coverage of the arts is decreasing. 2Brandeis is closing the Rose and possibly selling off its paintings. You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing when it comes to … Continue reading →

As Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) pointed out on the Senate floor yesterday, nearly all of the objections to the pending stimulus package are directed at a small number of programs that make up a fraction of 1 percent of the … Continue reading →

“His campaign suggests he will focus on communities, education, and grass-roots organisations but there are many unanswered questions. Here we survey the policy areas where the new President is likely to take a stand. Unlike most American presidents, he writes … Continue reading →

Maryann Devine blogs on smArts & Culture: “We talked about how the recession is affecting the arts and what the future might hold. I conjectured that smaller and more non-traditional arts groups may have opportunities that arise because of the … Continue reading →

The steady flow of staff cutbacks, cash crunches, strikes, and season closings among arts organizations nationwide is beginning to take its toll on the zeitgeist. It feels, to Andrew Taylor anyway, that we could all use some completely useless silliness … Continue reading →

In 2007, Grantmakers in the Arts commissioned Four Short Plays: Four Big Ideas for the Council on Foundations Conference. Here’s a video of the song Program Officer, music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, for your enjoyment.

“As of today, more than 224,000 people have signed a petition asking President Obama to create a Secretary of the Arts. I signed the petition, but reservedly: At the federal level, I prefer the arts to stay depoliticized. What I … Continue reading →

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVE72Ae82Tw&hl=en&fs=1] One of the all-time great covers of Brother Can you Spare a Dime was recorded by Tom Waits in 1993, featured on this video with photos by Dorthea Lange and others. Written in 1931 by lyricist E.Y. “Yip” Harburg … Continue reading →