Museum of American Finance?

Not exactly on my list of "must sees" but interesting nonetheless because it points out one of the most fundamental concepts of art: beauty (or interest) is in the eye of the beholder.

I give the museum credit, grudgingly, because they were supported by big companies that got greedy and they lost some of that corporate sponsorship in the current credit crisis. They then had the courage to document and display some of the problems that led to the crisis. Maybe it's biting the hand that feeds them, but I have to give them credit for being true to their mission. (And I apologize for the pun. Sincerely.)

For the New York Times article about the Museum of American Finance, follow this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/22/business/22museum.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=arts&adxnnlx=1250960689-NtE6HAc7c+y25KRSyD3EGw

Illinois Arts Alliance Changes Name & Mission

From the Illinois Arts Alliance, known now as Arts Alliance Illinois:

"We have a modified name that puts the arts first and makes "alliance" more prominent, emphasizing our shared beliefs and collective action.

We have a new visual identity that symbolizes the many vibrant, creative voices that come together with greater focus and power through the work we do.

We have a new articulation of our mission: "Give Voice to a Creative State." This strong call to action acknowledges the power of voice to change lives, change attitudes, and transform neighborhoods and communities throughout Illinois.Whether you are an artist, an educator, an administrator, a community leader, an activist, a patron, or someone simply concerned with the quality of life in Illinois -- we all give voice to a creative state."

www.artsalliance.org

And if you don't live in Illinois, support your state's art groups!

Artists Need Healthcare Too

How many artists have access to healthcare that others get working in corporate America? By the very nature of the job (and we're not just talking fine artists), art workers are not as likely to have access to group healthcare. They are more likely to be independent and contract workers. (Which is a good enough reason by itself to move away from employer-based health plans!)

If you are at all interested in having reasonable health care available to all, no matter where you work, see what this coalition of arts organizations sent to congress. And then add your own voice.

http://www.artsusa.org/news/press/2009/2009_08_12.asp