The article "Miami-Dade cultural groups fight for funds" in today's Miami Herald is very interesting not just because of the fact that arts and cultural organizations are fighting for money, but because of the reader's comments:
"If all these bank presidents want art, they should pay for it. You can't tell me multi-millionaires like Adolpho Henriques can't afford to shell out a few bucks. Put your money where your mouth is!"
"I overlooked the fact that the arts will keep disadvantaged youth out of trouble. One imagine the conversation: "hey no drive-bys tonight, let's go to the poetry reading instead". Not going to happen. You want your elitist little hobbies, fine, have at them. However, the government should not subsidize them."
The Herald's Opinion: "The County Commission will be tempted to increase arts spending, but when all services -- from Meals on Wheels to libraries -- are facing cuts, it's a matter of priorities. Commissioners are being pressured by everyone from the Junior Orange Bowl Parade to the Miami Light Project to keep their funding. Commissioners must rise above the inclination of protecting district favorites." They continue to say, "Festival organizers need to tap into private donors more."
Is this what people think of the arts and culture? We really need to work on educating the public and corporations about the value to art and culture.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Yves Saint Laurent & Twitter
Wow! Yesterday I posted about YSL's intro into Twitter. At the time, they had 3 posts and 88 followers. Today, just 24 hours later they have 4 posts and 754 followers!
Cirque du Soleil & the L.A. City Council
I read today that the L.A. City Council approved a $30 million loan to upgrade the theatre for Cirque du Soleil.
Here is the piece and pasted below. Check out the comments on this. Yikes!
Here is the piece and pasted below. Check out the comments on this. Yikes!
"The acrobats of Cirque du Soleil and a developer won a victory today when the L.A. City Council unanimously approved a $30-million loan to help finance upgrades that will allow the Kodak Theatre to host the troupe for 368 performances a year.
The city owns the Kodak Theatre, which is operated by CIM Group. Officials plan to draw from a $350-million federal fund for economic development and job creation to make the project happen.
Cirque du Soleil is contributing $50 million toward the $103.5-million project, and CIM Group will spend $20 million.
If CIM were to default on the loan, the city would get a piece of the Hollywood & Highland shopping and entertainment center, where the Kodak is located.
CIM has told the city the show would create 858 jobs in entertainment, retail and restaurants.
The federal government must still approve the loan. Once that happens, the city will receive a 1.5% fee for administering the loan. That comes to $450,000 in this case."
-- Maeve Reston at L.A. City Hall
LACMA Opens Convesation About Film Program
Recently the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced that they would put their weekend film program on hold. This did not make people happy. In response, LACMA opened an online forum where people could express themselves and get in from of Michael Govan, the director.
Congratulations to LACMA for using technology to open the conversation rather than hiding behind the old press release, hoping for the story to die. Although there isn't a whole lot of activity on the forum right now, they started with the right question: "What does the film program mean to you?"
Taken from LACMA's blog: "Yesterday we launched an online forum for our patrons to express their concerns about changes to our film program. If you have questions or comments about the decision to shutter the weekend film program, join Director Michael Govan and the communications team for the conversation here."
Congratulations to LACMA for using technology to open the conversation rather than hiding behind the old press release, hoping for the story to die. Although there isn't a whole lot of activity on the forum right now, they started with the right question: "What does the film program mean to you?"
Taken from LACMA's blog: "Yesterday we launched an online forum for our patrons to express their concerns about changes to our film program. If you have questions or comments about the decision to shutter the weekend film program, join Director Michael Govan and the communications team for the conversation here."
Beyond the Preview, Guggenheim Takes a Page From MoMA
It has always been standard practice for museums to offer members private viewings of exhibitions before they open to the public. It's one of the perks of being a member.
Well, a while back, MoMA took this idea further and introduced members-only viewings scattered throughout the duration of exhibitions.
Good news, the Guggenheim is getting in on the act by introducing Summer Morning Private Views where members may see the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition from 9–10 a.m. While that's not whole lot of time, it's still nice to have the museum to yourself before the crowds arrive.
The next Summer Morning Private Views will be held on August 8 from 9–10 a.m.
RSVP for the event at 212 423 3505 or membership@guggenheim.org.
Well, a while back, MoMA took this idea further and introduced members-only viewings scattered throughout the duration of exhibitions.
Good news, the Guggenheim is getting in on the act by introducing Summer Morning Private Views where members may see the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition from 9–10 a.m. While that's not whole lot of time, it's still nice to have the museum to yourself before the crowds arrive.
The next Summer Morning Private Views will be held on August 8 from 9–10 a.m.
RSVP for the event at 212 423 3505 or membership@guggenheim.org.
Monday, August 3, 2009
A Registry for Graduates? Brilliant, Sears!
Why oh why didn't they have a registry for graduates when I went off to school? Oh yeah, I had too much junk as it was.
Anyway, Sears launched Campus Ready which allows Sears to connect directly with students as they plan to go off to college. It's a brilliant way to copy the bridal registry model. I have a feeling this will be a model that other stores use. I mean really, what do you give a high school grad (Google "gifts for high school graduates" and you'll see what I mean)?
From WSJ: Don Hamblen, chief marketing officer of Sears said, "We began by developing the Campus Gift Getter and transitioned into our Roommate Matchup and Dorm Room Designer applications. These applications allow students to get to know their new roommates and furnish their dorm room with their collective style in an affordable manner. The combination of these tools will help to prepare students as they enter the next stage of their life."
Anyway, Sears launched Campus Ready which allows Sears to connect directly with students as they plan to go off to college. It's a brilliant way to copy the bridal registry model. I have a feeling this will be a model that other stores use. I mean really, what do you give a high school grad (Google "gifts for high school graduates" and you'll see what I mean)?
From WSJ: Don Hamblen, chief marketing officer of Sears said, "We began by developing the Campus Gift Getter and transitioned into our Roommate Matchup and Dorm Room Designer applications. These applications allow students to get to know their new roommates and furnish their dorm room with their collective style in an affordable manner. The combination of these tools will help to prepare students as they enter the next stage of their life."
Sears' Campus Gift Getter is set up in a similar fashion to a bridal or baby registry. Graduates can log on to Facebook to register and select their wish list, whether for dormitory or day-to-day living. Once registered, family and friends of the graduates can access the registry online, review selections and purchase items on the graduate's wish lists. Users have the option to purchase individual items from the registry or contribute to a larger ticket item via "GiveTogether," Sears' newly-launched group gift-giving concept. "GiveTogether" connects gift givers and recipients by pooling the resources of a group enabling them to make special, "big ticket" purchases.
Yves Saint Laurent Takes a Leap into Facebook & Twitter
I read in WWD this morning that Yves Saint Laurent launched their Facebook page and opened a Twitter account.
So far they have 3 posts and 88 followers on Twitter. Can't wait to see how they leverage Facebook. Hopefully they will serve as a model for other luxury brands to join the conversation.
From WWD: Yves Saint Laurent is adding its name to the rapidly growing list of fashion brands jumping into social media. On Saturday, the French fashion house launched a Facebook page, “Yves Saint Laurent — the official page,” as well as a Twitter account. Visitors to both will find news about the brand and can follow tweets on creative director Stefano Pilati’s newest collections, projects and YSL events, as well as new campaigns and notables who have been spotted wearing the label.
For the first time, the Internet also will play a role in the launch of YSL’s Manifesto, with publication of the fifth edition slated for Sept. 12. On Sept. 1, the fashion house will launch a special microsite, which will feature an archive of previous editions, as well as a Manifesto blog monitor, and links to YSL’s Facebook and Twitter activities. On Sept. 8, the company will upload a behind-the-scenes video of Manifesto, which was shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and features Christy Turlington. The entire publication also will be able to be downloaded from the microsite on the day of the launch.
So far they have 3 posts and 88 followers on Twitter. Can't wait to see how they leverage Facebook. Hopefully they will serve as a model for other luxury brands to join the conversation.
From WWD: Yves Saint Laurent is adding its name to the rapidly growing list of fashion brands jumping into social media. On Saturday, the French fashion house launched a Facebook page, “Yves Saint Laurent — the official page,” as well as a Twitter account. Visitors to both will find news about the brand and can follow tweets on creative director Stefano Pilati’s newest collections, projects and YSL events, as well as new campaigns and notables who have been spotted wearing the label.
For the first time, the Internet also will play a role in the launch of YSL’s Manifesto, with publication of the fifth edition slated for Sept. 12. On Sept. 1, the fashion house will launch a special microsite, which will feature an archive of previous editions, as well as a Manifesto blog monitor, and links to YSL’s Facebook and Twitter activities. On Sept. 8, the company will upload a behind-the-scenes video of Manifesto, which was shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and features Christy Turlington. The entire publication also will be able to be downloaded from the microsite on the day of the launch.
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