Culture Track 2014 was presented at the Disney Hall recently. 

What was interesting about this article was the feedback from the attendees:

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) director Philippe Vergne took issue with the use of the word “culture,” and quoted the artist Carl Andre: “Art is what we do. Culture is what is done to us.” Vergne pointed out that “we” are in the knowledge industry, not the entertainment industry, which brought to mind the architect Rem Koolhaas’ observation that “culture is work, not just passive consumption.”

Another topic that deserves further consideration, but was not covered by this event, relates to patronage. Seeing that patrons and foundations are increasingly focused on audience participation and quantifiable impact, we run the risk of failing to protect and promote the immeasurable value of the arts. The balance between scholarship and engaging a fast moving, celebrity-driven culture whose attention is harder and harder to hold is delicate, and we need visionary patrons more than ever.

Are we culture or are we entertainment?  I was thinking that we are both, yet it seems there is a segment of us that tends toward saying that we are not entertainment.  I tend to agree with entertaining the idea that we are the arts and we provide a cultural and entertaining experience.  If we are to define ourselves as only culture, and we consider culture to be “work, not just passive consumption,” how is this statement helpful to us?

Yes, what we do is work, but I hope it is also joyous and fun, which is an aspect of entertainment.  Entertainment can also increase knowledge.  Sesame Street is both entertaining and educational.

In any case, why are we concerning ourselves with splitting hairs instead of connecting with people?

My point is, categorizing the arts as something above something else may do us more harm than good.  The elite factor is part of the problem.  Simply put, if certain people feel they are not a part of this certain level, they will not purchase and attend.

The second part of the feedback, “we run the risk of failing to protect and promote the immeasurable value of the arts.”  Well, since they are immeasurable, and they automatically happen, why are we so worried about this?

Let’s quit the trying to define the arts in elite terms and simply produce quality arts that are both entertaining and cultural.   If we do produce quality and concern ourselves with our art and connecting with people, we will automatically fill our duty as cultural agents for those that attend.  Getting off the high horse is what is needed to reach all kinds of people from various backgrounds.

Think of it this way, connecting with people in general will enable us to lift them to higher heights of experiences.  We may have to be entertainment in order to do this, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder

For the full Culture Track 2014 Report: Click here!

Tip of the Week goes out tomorrow.  Theme for June: What to do during the summer.  Tomorrow’s tip: Evaluate and Research during the summer.