Dispatches

Museums in the Climate Crisis

A new Network of European Museum Organisations report reflects the status quo of European museums in the climate crisis. It includes key recommendations that will help tap into the full potential of museums as contributors and allies in the sustainable transition of Europe. (Network of European Museum Organisations)

How Do You Tell a Vandal from a Visitor? Art Museums Are Struggling.

With the attacks showing no sign of abating, museum directors across Europe are settling into a nervous new equilibrium, fearful for the works in their care but unwilling to compromise on making visitors feel welcome. So far, nothing has been permanently damaged. But many fear that an accident, or an escalation in the protesters’ tactics, could result in a masterpiece being destroyed. (The New York Times) 

A New Art Trafficking Report Commissioned by France’s Culture Ministry Says Its Museums Must Tighten Up Their Acquisitions Policies

The study calls for a concerted state effort to tackle the issue and advocates for a more unified, “collegial” approach to acquisitions. (Artnet News) 

Long COVID for the Arts

Theatre Facts 2021, an upcoming report from Theatre Communications Group, which compares results over a five-year period, tracks the startling COVID-era jolts the theaters experienced. Average income from single ticket sales, for example, was 93 percent lower in fiscal 2021 than in 2017. And subscription income took an 83 percent dive. (Chicago Reader)

Ticket Sales Dashboard

See the latest trends for your region and artform, based on data from 450+ organizations across the culture and entertainment sector. The upward trend in ticket sales has continued into November, with the gap on 2019 closing gradually throughout the year. Overall sales have recovered to 90% of 2019 levels in 2022. (Spektrix) 

Greece in ‘Preliminary’ Talks with British Museum About Parthenon Marbles

The row over the marbles – removed in contentious circumstances by Lord Elgin, who was ambassador at the time to the Ottoman empire of which present-day Greece was then a part – has raged for more than 200 years. (The Guardian) 

2 Years After Racism Outcry, Indianapolis Embraces Black Artists

As a museum takes its first steps toward diversity after an insensitive job post, a nonprofit steps in to help the city heal its fraught relationship with Black artists. (The New York Times)

Responses to Arts Council England National Portfolio Funding Expose Systemic Racism

Kevin Osbourne writes for Arts Professional, ‘It appears Arts Council England (ACE) has achieved a significant improvement in the proportion of its funding going to Black- and Brown-led organisations. We need to support them in going still further to achieve racially equitable funding in the arts.’ (Arts Professional) 

Peter Shapiro’s Long Strange Trip

Brooklyn Magazine speaks with the Brooklyn Bowl founder, reflecting on what he’s learned from putting on 10,000 shows, breaking down what makes the venue work, and why it translates to other cities. (Brooklyn Magazine) 

How Bold Moves by Museums Could Shape the Future of Culture and Digital Art

The shift toward digital engagement at museums accelerated greatly during the pandemic, sparking a sea change in priorities and perspectives among museums, the art and cultural sector, and the broader public. As a result, our collective understanding of the function and value of museums has evolved, and museums are increasingly embracing technology, social media and a broad range of digital channels to inspire and enhance their connection with the public. (Rolling Stone) 

How Bold Moves by Museums Could Shape the Future of Culture and Digital Art

The shift toward digital engagement at museums accelerated greatly during the pandemic, sparking a sea change in priorities and perspectives among museums, the art and cultural sector, and the broader public. As a result, our collective understanding of the function and value of museums has evolved, and museums are increasingly embracing technology, social media and a broad range of digital channels to inspire and enhance their connection with the public. (Rolling Stone) 

Taking the Plunge

The co-founder and principal of experience design firm, The Experience Alchemists, writes why museum professionals would be wise to see immersive experiences as a beginning, not an end. (American Alliance of Museums) 

A History of Houston’s Creative Terrain

Artist-run projects, which typically operate independently from the market-based demands of the gallery or museum, are born out of a need for space, both physical and psychological. They have been the place for American artists to build creative concepts and communities for over 70 years. So why do we know so little about these landmarks? Pete Gershon’s new book Impractical Spaces: Houston resurrects the stories of the city’s artist-run venues since 1947.  (Hyperallergic) 

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