blog by arwen

I have spent the last few weeks writing, researching and editing a chapter proposal in advance of an Aug. 31 deadline for a writing contest about the future of arts in America. From the Call for Entries:

20UNDER40 is in search of essays demonstrating the most innovative and unique perspectives on the future of the arts and arts education from artists, teaching artists, researchers, administrators, and cultural activists under the age of forty.

This anthology will provide a unique arena for new ideas by formally gathering the thoughts of young artists, teaching artists, administrators, researchers, and other arts and arts education professionals—legitimizing the talent of young leaders by bringing their ideas out of the margins and into the forefront of our dialogue.

If you are interested in submitting something, I encourage you to move quickly as the deadline is now less than a week away. All you need to submit is a two page proposal (double spaced – yikes!)  outlining a need/problem that you see as a big deal and your proposed response/solution. Full details are here.

Recently I got a chance to wade in the waters of film production for the first time. Fascinating process – especially being a hardcore theater geek (I confess I don’t watch much film).  We shot on 35mm, had a cast & crew of 40+ and used two locations in Rutherford NJ – it was quite an adventure. The title is “Portraits” and it is a 15 minute short about a photographer. It was directed by my good friend John Des Roches. The film is one of ten finalists in a non-profit online film festival and competition called The Doorpost Film Project.

Here is the competition part: “Portraits” has a 1 in 10 chance of winning $100,000. If you enjoy the independent short film genre, please visit Doorpost’s website between Sept 1-16 to view all the finalists and cast your vote for the one you believe to be “best in show”.  The films will be released one per day between Aug 22-31 and voting begins once all films are released on Sept 1. The competition culminates in a festival and an award ceremony in Nashville TN on Sept 19.

I was the Production Manager and had a small cameo. Can you find the Arwen in this poster?

I just learned that two friends/colleagues have lost their jobs due to budget cuts and belt tightening at their respective nonprofit arts organizations. I am close to one of the orgs and I know how hard the loss will be on remaining staff. No surprise given the way our economy is shedding jobs, but painful to hear nonetheless.

Both jobs were leadership positions which have now been eliminated. While it is likely the positions will be reinstated if the budget woes subside (no guarantee they will),  it brings up the question: how will these organizations cope with the loss of key players at a time when they are more important than ever?

I think we know how they will cope. Current staff (and perhaps a few Board members) will pick up the slack to the best of their abilities, people will work longer hours, produce status quo results under more stressful and challenging situations and likely experience burn-out earlier than normal. The question in relation to coping is not how, but how long it can last.

I suppose the question really is: how can these organizations SUCCEED when dealing with the loss of key players, especially in the face of unending budget cuts and a resurgence of the culture wars?

of artists whom i admire and adore that have chosen to shed their mortal coil in the summer of 2009.

this video homage is outstanding – if you love his movies like i do, take a few moments & watch this.

maybe a staged reading of “the breakfast club” in my garden in memory of him is in order…