A strike by Arts on Jan. 20?- Page 2

[Kad]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 11:26am

This reads more as an exercise in theory than anything with practical effect. The strike is occurring on Inauguration Day, so it will be vastly overshadowed by a major national event and all that will go along with it. And I'm not sure I see how a strike that day accomplishes the closest thing to a stated goal in that post, which is questioning the relationship between art and institutional backing- which is indeed a valid concern.

And the post rather blithely dismisses any concern one might have for repercussion against those who take part. For some, the risk of losing a job is real. Not showing up to a job is, in many cases, cause for termination, art institution or no. People involved could be members of labor unions and that could muddy things- could their union be seen as sanctioning a work action? That's not something to take lightly.

And these institutions are all run differently. A theatre company is not structured the same as an art gallery and a gallery isn't run like a museum.

 

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 11:36am

Kad said "This reads more as an exercise in theory than anything with practical effect"

I concur. I think the article's purpose is a sounding board, something like my thread. It's to garner opinions. 

." And I'm not sure I see how a strike that day accomplishes the closest thing to a stated goal in that post, which is questioning the relationship between art and institutional backing- which is indeed a valid concern."

Correct.

[Kad]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 11:47am

A "strike" that I think is effective is the Trump team's problem of finding notable performers to sing at the inauguration. It's not really a strike, per se, but it is high-profile artists refusing to support the administration by performing. It's embarrassing and visibly puts the lie to Trump's assertions of greatness.

But high-profile performers have the luxury of being able to turn down an inauguration, just as they have the luxury of being considered to be perform at one in the first place.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 1:10pm

Striking probably isn't the answer, but the fact remains that in the USA, Arts are not priority. There are countries that include arts departments in their cabinets. We don't have that and may never have one. The only difference in art appreciation I can see is through which party we have in power. And that's only a slight difference at that.