Welcome class of 2012! After reading through the syllabus what thoughts/questions do you have? Take a moment to fill out the information form:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VDHTVZD
You can view my background in "my profile" on the blog.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hull House in Memoriam
Last week the Hull House closed its doors after 120 years of operation. Based in Chicago, Hull House was not only notable for its social service, but also its incorporation of art, especially theatre arts, into its operations.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-us-hullhousecloses,0,4975233.story
The story of its end is both a reflection of the current economic crisis (in which nonprofits are still embroiled) and the shifting terrain of community development in urban centers. Nonprofits of all kinds must maintain strong fiscal and operational management as well as maintain a continued understanding of their core constituents such that their position in the community is critical. As the social dynamics change, programs and services must change or the organization becomes obsolete. Likewise, with all businesses, if poor oversight is allowed to settle in to the Board or operations, then it will come to an inevitable end.
For those interested in community development or people who have changed the world -- Jane Addams, one of the co-founders, life and her path on the creation and development of Hull House is an excellent study for anyone interested in community development and the complications (policitcal and otherwise) therein.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/news/ct-per-flash-janeaddams-0129-20120130,0,1917605.story
While unlike, the Neighborhood Playhouse of the lower east side of New York City, Hull House's theatre was never a core activity but it still served a critical role in Hull House's frameworks for success.
http://www.jstor.org/pss/3207448
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-us-hullhousecloses,0,4975233.story
The story of its end is both a reflection of the current economic crisis (in which nonprofits are still embroiled) and the shifting terrain of community development in urban centers. Nonprofits of all kinds must maintain strong fiscal and operational management as well as maintain a continued understanding of their core constituents such that their position in the community is critical. As the social dynamics change, programs and services must change or the organization becomes obsolete. Likewise, with all businesses, if poor oversight is allowed to settle in to the Board or operations, then it will come to an inevitable end.
For those interested in community development or people who have changed the world -- Jane Addams, one of the co-founders, life and her path on the creation and development of Hull House is an excellent study for anyone interested in community development and the complications (policitcal and otherwise) therein.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/news/ct-per-flash-janeaddams-0129-20120130,0,1917605.story
While unlike, the Neighborhood Playhouse of the lower east side of New York City, Hull House's theatre was never a core activity but it still served a critical role in Hull House's frameworks for success.
http://www.jstor.org/pss/3207448
Monday, January 16, 2012
The world and the economy are eco-systems no different than natures. Environments change, lives pass, new organisms emerge. The best and most recent case study of a healthy attitude toward this ecosystem comes from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.
I believe that the company took the most responsible and visionary action in the current environment. Funds and audiences are limited, thus, by creating a planned closure Merce Cunningham actually supported a healthy eco-system, making way for NEW artists to engage current and future audiences and funders.
Read more details and opinions here: http://www.artsjournal.com/jumper/2012/01/a-planned-ending-for-merce-cunningham-dance-co/#comment-2698
I believe that the company took the most responsible and visionary action in the current environment. Funds and audiences are limited, thus, by creating a planned closure Merce Cunningham actually supported a healthy eco-system, making way for NEW artists to engage current and future audiences and funders.
Read more details and opinions here: http://www.artsjournal.com/jumper/2012/01/a-planned-ending-for-merce-cunningham-dance-co/#comment-2698
Only here for the ecstasy
Only here for the ecstasy
Provides an interesting evaluation of the means and the ends of the performing arts in today's society.
Provides an interesting evaluation of the means and the ends of the performing arts in today's society.
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