Well, I don't really have any other forum for this, so I'm going to say it here: What is the deal? Why does anyone think cutting a program that costs $500K and takes in $1M in external money is smart? How many jobs will be lost, again? Hundreds, perhaps thousands? Everyone who thinks that private donations will make up the difference from the federal NEA funding may leave your donation right there next to the computer. Now. Go on, get out your wallets!
This is pure political BS, not smart budget-cutting or effective jobs creation. It makes me feel, quite frankly, that the State of Kansas would rather run off the arts and artists because what was, frankly, trivial to the state budget was actually quite valuable to the organizations and individuals who received that support. Regardless whether you like my work, it is not the sort of thing that gets bought and sold easily in commercial galleries. Does that mean I should stop making it and make nice cute tchotchkes that go with Charles Koch's couch? I personally make no profit from this, yet I am committed to doing intellectually-challenging work that resists commodification. Am I supposed to think that policies that would force me to be more commercial by refusing grant support for more challenging work is not a government statement to me personally, and to all the dancers, actors, musicians, and artists like me who make risky work?
Is that what we are about, Kansas?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
What this is...
The Wichitopia blog is similar to research and shows I have done in Salina and Corpus Christ, Tx, including blogs for viewer dilagoue in each of those cities. i will post new topics on planning and community issues periodically as the show goes on, and you are invited to comment away.
You don't even have to be here in the museum to participate--be a virtual part of the show by accessing the blog from wherevere you are.
Post away and check back often! Suggest topics and links at any time!
You don't even have to be here in the museum to participate--be a virtual part of the show by accessing the blog from wherevere you are.
Post away and check back often! Suggest topics and links at any time!
The role of a downtown
I recently had a conversation with a friend who contended that wanting downtowns to be viable is quaint and unrealistic. He feels that downtowns are more trouble than they are worth because of their high density, lack of parking, and overpriced retail that can be bought more conveniently and cheaply in chain stores.
Admittedly, is it this the reality of what most people think? Not everyone I spoke with agreed that downtown needed more density to thrive...it's apparent most Americans value their physical space, which I think is intrinsically tied to the anti-downtown value system. What does a downtown need to do or be to be viable, to compete with the sprawl? Can a low-density downtown work? Or, even more directly, other than sentiment or nostalgia, why is it even important to a community that downtown be viable at all--why do we need downtown cores?
If you had one thing you could do to or in Wichita's downtown, what would it be?
How would you sell your idea in the face of desire to do all things out on Rock Road?
Admittedly, is it this the reality of what most people think? Not everyone I spoke with agreed that downtown needed more density to thrive...it's apparent most Americans value their physical space, which I think is intrinsically tied to the anti-downtown value system. What does a downtown need to do or be to be viable, to compete with the sprawl? Can a low-density downtown work? Or, even more directly, other than sentiment or nostalgia, why is it even important to a community that downtown be viable at all--why do we need downtown cores?
If you had one thing you could do to or in Wichita's downtown, what would it be?
How would you sell your idea in the face of desire to do all things out on Rock Road?
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