Wednesday, 27 May 2020
The Culture Department's Taskforce is riding to the rescue: but who are they? Robert Hewison takes a wry look at their credentials.
Sunday, 24 May 2020
How can it be that classical musicians playing music that’s in the public domain are having their performances removed by Facebook and YouTube? Algorithms are at work, reports Michael Andor Brodeur.
Arts Council England's 'Let’s Create' strategy looks like it will be among the casualties of the emergency stop, says Amy Cunningham. "If we’d just grabbed it before channelling efforts into sustaining organisations that already take up much of the sector's breathing space, I think we’d find it holds just the maxim we need right now".
How can the sensation of intimacy be preserved without actual proximity? Justin Davidson asked some artists and presenters about their plans for a socially distanced future.
"We have government working groups whose membership is dominated by big cultural venues and institutions. This feels like the equivalent of oil companies dominating a task force to sort out our response to climate change". More voices from more communities should be heard, says David Jubb.
Should critics stop reviewing art being made in lockdown because no one is doing well and everyone is fragile? Laura Kressly explores the issues.
Thursday, 21 May 2020
Fulfilling the aspirations of those who were satisfied with what normal was would mean reopening cultural institutions that absorb most of the resources and status, but reach perhaps 10% of the population. That's not on the menu, says François Matarasso.
Sunday, 17 May 2020
With income forecast to be 74% lower than last year, Fuel Theatre shares the detail of what they're pledging to themselves, and what they're pledging to audiences, artists and the wider community as the Covid crisis unfolds.
Teachers will be helping the 'coronavirus class of 2020' when they get back to school, and arts organisations should be working on their relationships with schools too, building bridges with them now, before it’s too late, says Sally Bacon.
Beyond simply creating art for art’s sake, or for school credits, young people are building social movements and creative projects around a different vision for our planet. And they are calling us in, says Kathleen Gallagher.
Government and public reactions to the lockdown were confirmation for Samantha Bowen of the inequality facing disabled people - something she had long feared, but persuaded herself was paranoia.
Should 'audience development' be an outcome in and of itself? Stephen Pritchard reflects on arts work that goes deeper, supporting people to begin the process of rebuilding their communities.
Sunday, 10 May 2020
Not all dance companies will make it through to the other end of this crisis. But dance artists are a resilient bunch. Many have been through closure and seen a future emerge after. Jennifer Stahl spoke to some people who've been through the experience.
‘What do I get?’ may motivate a person to become a member of an arts organisation, but motivations can change over time. Martin Barden says it's time for a more strategic approach to membership schemes.
The ritualistic aspects of attending classical music - perceived as elitist and damaging to the industry - are broken down by live-streaming, says Chris Lian-Lloyd. When you're in your own living space, no one will hiss at you for applauding.
The success of the work that emerges after the pandemic will rely on our ability to value art that satisfies human needs within a community context, rather than market relevance, says Deborah Fisher.
Deaf and hearing families are becoming "frustrated at the lack of content amidst what is seemingly a hive of creative activity." Handprint Theatre offers advice on making online theatre accessible to all.
Wednesday, 06 May 2020
What’s the point of rehearsals if you don't know when or whether you're going to be reopening? Alex Marshall reports on artistic directors' reactions to the concept of theatre-making under social distancing restrictions.
Sunday, 03 May 2020
Organisations that use scenario planning to prepare for an uncertain future are better equipped and more nimble when new opportunities or major challenges arise. Adrian Ellis explains what's involved.
The legal profession is rethinking how it hears arguments and holds trials. The medical industry is rethinking tele-medicine and how it charges for services. The existential question for the arts is whether we continue with our under-performing non-profit model or design something new, says Douglas McLennan.