Art Institute Adds New Wing

On May 16, the Art Institute of Chicago will open to the public its new $283 million wing dedicated to modern art. Along with this, other changes are being made to the Art Institute. Everything is being reinstalled, and the admission price will soon be raised from $12 to $18. A gala will be held on May 9 to celebrate the revamped museum. The Chicago Tribune asks this question, “Is this lavish offering… a misreading of the times and people’s willingness to pay a premium to view great art in a stunning new building? Or is the world-renowned art museum making a statement: that temporary economic conditions can’t thwart Chicago’s ambition and commitment to its cultural life?” The Art Institute has been defending its decision to raise admission prices, despite the opposition being voiced by the people of Chicago and by the City Council. Museum officials are confident in these changes being successful, because museum figures have proven before that attendance is not adversely affected by price increases and has actually risen during economic hardships. Although she is working for the competition, Museum of Contemporary Art director Madeleine Grynsztejn supports the changes, saying, “Art has a very long view, and to the Art Institute’s credit, it is creating a wing for the public of Chicago to enjoy forever, in good times and bad.”

More About Ronda Storms

Ronda Storms is the Florida Senator and member of the Republican party that recently presented a bill to end funding for local public art. She is also a very controversial figure in Florida. In 2000, when alumni from Florida A&M University, a historically Black college, tried to establish a law school in Tampa, Storms voiced her opposition and had this to say about minorities, “We can get them through law school, but we can’t get them to seem to pass the Bar.” After two people called to her office to complain about her remarks, Storms went on about the issue in another interview. On the issue of the alumni requesting tax funds to establish the law school, she said, ” “It’s guilt money. This is so white people can pat themselves on the back.” Later on, she offered her version of an apology, “I am not apologizing for who I am. I am apologizing for any offense (taken).” This is not the first time that Storms has been met with controversy. Storms had an eight year tenure on the commission of Hillsboro County. She spoke out against county-appropriated money to Planned Parenthood and fought against the county recognizing local gay and lesbian events.

Two Florida Lawmakers Want to End Public Funding of Art

From tampabay.com, Senator Ronda Storms (R) wrote a repeal to outlaw state funded public art in Florida until the economy improves. She was quoted as saying, “Do I pay for art instead of paying for care for an abused kid? This is an example of fat. This is a luxury.” She proposed the bill a year ago, but it fizzled out in committee. Now she only needs one more committee’s approval before being voted on by lawmakers. An amendment to Storms’ bill was added stating that funding would return to art in 2011, but it would have to be approved by the lawmakers; Storms does not approve of this clause, wanting it to be removed from the bill. A similar bill by Representative Rich Glorioso (R) moving forward currently. It is hard to believe that Senator Storms considers the artwork just a “luxury” when “the state program is providing an economic benefit by providing work for artists,” a point made by Bill Iverson, public art program manager for Hillsborough, FL. Ironically, Storms’ Senate website states that local art is one of her passions.

Hollywood Escapes the Recession

I found this article at the Independent’s website that reports that despite the financial crunch, people are flocking to the theaters. In fact, 2009 might be the first year that the box office ticket sales reach $10 billion dollars. The president of Box Office Mojo, Brandon Gray says, “People need the movies, they inspire, they provide catharsis, they make people laugh, they thrill them – and all that is needed now more than ever.” It seems that people are looking for an escape from hard times and a trip to the movies is the best way to do it.