Shortened version of this commentary first established as a Facebook Timeline post on 7 Nov 2017.
I was trying to find some data on the economic impact of the arts on the Dallas GDP a while back, and came across the comment below offered as a response to a Dallas Morning News commentary about performing arts economic contributions to Dallas. Before you read what this one person (LsLambert) said about the arts that irked me so much, let me just offer:
Performing Arts ( whether “two-bit third rate ( and worse) so-called " arts", or not) are not the only arts contributors to the economic development of a city, folks. And I say that still working side hustles in the performing arts and having two performing arts degrees. We gotta start thinking more broadly then that because there are too many people (see below) who don't think we (in the 'arts’) are worth anything at all. I recognize that the arts are subjective…for me, an artist endeavors to offer, ultimately, something of themselves and their world view in creative ways, and leaves it to us, the audience to decide whether its two-bit, third-rate or whatever LsLambert and anyone else decides it is for themselves.
I don't say this because of my career trajectory in the arts and the need to defend it. It just happens to be true. I benefited from a second MA in Cultural Policy and Admin from a university in England, where the continent, Spain, Canada, Mexico and other places in the world consider the CULTURAL ARTS, of which performing arts are not the ONLY arts but part of a much broader artistic and cultural canvas.
The arts outside of America is an umbrella under which exist: performing arts, museums, libraries, literature, parks, recreation, health and wellness, tourism, graphic and fashion design, galleries, technology, culinary arts, heritage, film, architecture, etc. And they all feed into and support one another and the communities they serve.
Attributing performing arts to being the ONLY arts is like attributing the word Coke to any kind of soda you want when you are at a restaurant. The waitress comes up and asks, 'What would you like to drink?', and you say, 'a Coke’ .', and she asks, 'What kind’?
Tsk tsk tsk....
I appreciated the article because the intent was good but the almost sole recognition in it of the performing arts as THE sole arts contributing to Dallas economics leaves a whole swath of dedicated and creative, hard-working artists, arts administrators, educators, policy-wonks, patrons, volunteers, and appreciators behind; the performing arts are one sliver of the umbrella’s nylon covering. Would it hurt to be more open?
Your thoughts, as always, are welcome. Until then...
What's Next???
Selena
LsLambert
May 16, 2017
i'll tell you about an economic boost. it will take decent streets, respected police and fire depts, good schools, parks and recreation not two-bit third rate ( and worse) so-called " arts". good libraries. affordable housing. non-crook politicians who in fact are stealing from those they are elected and paid to represent. and a mayor not in the ray hunt's pocket would also help.