The Leading Voice for the Black Arts Community.
Would I be correct in saying that this is 'our time' as artists?
Just about to go to sleep and I felt the need to write the following..............
In the UK we are feeling a great sense of concern as the powers above are trying to prevent and reduce opportunities for artists to create and survive. There is now talk of the government axing all funding for Arts and Humanity courses. This will create an elitist art world whereby only the rich will be given the type of education that many if not some of us have had the privilege to receive. We are already experiencing regional tensions as we all scramble for what is left in the government pocket for the Arts. We are in the midst of disturbing and clearly unstable times but its also an amazing platform to springboard positive responses through artistic practice and endeavor. Exciting times if used productively and creatively! OUR TIME!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brian Hebert on -
You are correct, it is our time. As visionaries we have a duty, as much duty as a super hero. With great power comes great responsibility. No mistery why our voices continue to be silenced in all creative outlets. True expression is not permitted, we have to take it, let our expressions be seen and be strong! The time is now for our renaissance period to be seen!
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Permalink Reply by sue williams on -
Hello Brian yes you are correct! It was late at night that I had been writing my thoughts out loud! I am sorry that I didn't make it entirely clear. I feel very passionate about what is happening to the Arts on a global level and as you quite rightly say we are responsible for breaking the silence, this period of change is going to offer artists worldwide a greater opportunity to stand up and be seen. The National UK papers are stating the governments open rejection of the Arts. As a lecturer I am aware of how a new vision is being presented for the arts in education. Already the education system is being dumbed down quite significantly and within the visual arts the learning/research and processes of materiality and thought are being squeezed and marginalized, eventually we will be left with safe, non-political work that will lack integrity and content....... 'product' being the crucial word! The students will not have one to one tutorials as they deserve. So I am fighting in 2 corners - not only as a practitioner but also as a lecturer in the visual arts. Both are entwined..... I am feeling the 'pinch' and I can't wait to pinch back!! I hope this reads well, again a long day had and a cup of coffee needed!
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Permalink Reply by Karen Atkinson on -
That has been the case in the US for along time. BUT, there is good news. I suggest that any artist who is asking these questions, read a book called The Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink. Also, look at my Ted talk on You Tube, as I address these questions.
There is a new creative economy taking shape, and we as artists not only need to know how things are shifting, but we need to engage in those new opportunities.
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Permalink Reply by Jaimee Todd on -
I just finished reading the novel The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. She explores the relationship between art and politics in the United States and Mexico in the late 19th/early 20th century through the eyes of a man caught between two cultures. She also writes about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo from a fictionalized perspective. Kingsolver said that one of the reasons why she wrote the book was because she wanted to understand why the United States has had such an antagonistic relationship with art.
Given this topic, I highly recommend the book. Not only is it beautifully written, but it's also tremendously insightful and inspires very interesting, thought-provoking discussion.
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Permalink Reply by sue williams on
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Many thanks for this Jaimee, I will certainly look out for it and read. Hope all is well for you.
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