| While we are going about creating our art, governments are working behind the scenes to integrate our globe culturally via the arts, including visual art. For years private as well as governmentally sponsored arts organizations have been helping some artists while eluding others.
I just returned from participating in the first of it's kind White House Conference on Culture & Diplomacy, which took place on Nov. 28th, 2000, chaired by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (full text transcript). I still don't know how I came to be invited, nevertheless, it was an incredible experience personally and as an artist. [ Editor's Note: As if the President would even consider holding such an event without inviting someone from WetCanvas! :-) ] As one of only a couple of fine artists honored to attend the Conference alongside world leaders, Nobel prize winners, famous writers, actors, and musicians, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you. Politics aside, as artists we are all impacted in one way or the other by what our governments do relative to art. Whether beginner or advanced, we are all effected. The President was passionately concerned about artists who "literally can't make a living doing what they do best." He said these things he are what he is going to "...think a lot more about. There are no royal courts to support such people anymore." He also discussed the value of marketing artists' work. He recognizes that many people with talent do not gain recognition, while those with little talent "make it" via good marketing. Pretty astute for a non-artist in my view. Even if he can't or does not have a way to help, it's nice to know this fact is noticed. In our smaller panel discussions there was a push to recognize and "include the Ohio's" of this world and not just the art perpetuated by one group, culture, or style. This was good news. What does all this have to do with WetCanvas!? It has to do with anyone creating art or who interfaces locally or Internationally with people. All cultures are reflected in their art, writing, music, dance, etc. And since WetCanvas is a global community of artists, I thought it would foster even more cohesiveness among us which would flow out to our communities and global friends. I will keep you posted regarding any new developments relative to our group. Most Sincerely, |
