There are quite a few “missing” components in today’s unquestioning Times-Dispatch coverage of Performing Arts Center 2.0 that would seem to be relevant to the discussion of public arts funding — especially if you are going to definitively conclude that the CenterStage project is “on track.”
Of course, you have to read some inquisitive Richmond blogs and discussion forums to find out about these things.
First, great pains — desperate pains — are currently being taken to link the grassroots, “street-level” art scene of Curated Culture’s First Fridays Artwalk to the CenterStage groundbreaking on June 1. (Of course, no member of that grassroots arts revival has ever been asked to join VAPAF’s board of directors… but never mind.) You know that this aspect of the story is something that Save Richmond finds very interesting considering our long-running history of advocating for the city’s indigeous art and music scene, but the irony of this stunt hasn’t escaped the notice of others, like the disbelieving folks at the Urban Richmond? blog. Emphasis mine:
Groundbreaking is set for June 1- with Wilder, Jim Ukrop, Anne Holton, Bio Ritmo, and No BS Brass Band “celebrating” the groundbreaking, then leading a procession to the “First Friday’s District.”The irony is unbelievable. Let’s celebrate this taxpayer boondoggle by visiting the unsubsidized, yet highly successful, grassroots arts community!
To underscore the irony, and put the VAPAF’s $23 million sweetheart deal into some perspective, there is an in-depth interview with Christina Newton of Curated Culture on the URbanstudies blog that talks about the support her highly successful downtown rehabiliation project has received over the years from the city. Emphasis mine:
URbanstudies: How has the city’s government supported the First Friday program and its cause?
Christina Newton: Sadly, all we have received from the City has been $4,000 (in-kind and financial contribution) over the last three years from the Dept of Economic Development. Otherwise, the city has been supportive only in verbal thanks or taking credit for the success of the program themselves (William Harrell). Generally we can’t get a phone call returned. We have received funding from Richmond Renaissance (now known as Venture Richmond which is a public private partnership) of $20,000 over two years.
The paper does reveal the name of the new “partnership” that will guide CenterStage: It’s call RPAC. But did anyone associated with the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation, the Times-Dispatch — or, jeez, the city — know that there is already an RPAC — the Richmond Public Art Commission.
Based on national public art models (in 27 states and nearly 200 municipalities), Richmond’s Public Art Program follows well-established guidelines adapted to our particular needs. A 1% allocation for art is earmarked from the City’s Capital Budget of appropriate new or renovation construction projects having budgets over $250,000. Appropriate projects are ones that provide public services and accessibility such as firehouses, police precincts, courthouses and detention centers, hospitals, clinics, passenger terminals, parks, and recreation centers.
And it would appear that internal pressures are overtaking the real RPAC right now, strangely enough. From RPAC board member and artist Vaughan Garland:
Over the past decade at the RPAC the question of “who are we” has floated in and out of every meeting but nobody wants to do anything about it except schedule later meetings to discuss our role for the “CITY ARTS COMMUNITY.” (What a notion—-to have an organization called the public arts and actually be for the public.)
Our favorite Wise Man, PTaylor, poses some other “minor” questions over at Richmond City Watch that the coverage today leaves largely unaddressed (while noting that a mysterious new “parking deck” has been included in the plan). “It’s somewhat ironic to be touting a ‘traditional’ ‘New Orleans style’ marching band,” he concludes. “They are traditionally players in funeral processions. Who’s the honoree here?”
I’m guessing it’s the taxpayers of the city of Richmond. “Serious fun,” indeed.