On The Cusp (from Indianapolis) gives Portland some feedback regarding my follow-up post regarding the Tribune's big arts special section last week. Yes, scene-wise I think OTC is right about us being ahead, but Midwestern cities always seem to have better museums and more established non-profits . I'm glad he picked up on my "focus" argument it is crucial. I hope it catches on here more. Fact is publications like the O focus more on community or money than the real issue, quality and a serious comittment to developing and enabling talent (which is what builds institutions). There is also the fact that Portland's premier cultural institution PAM only recently got it act together (that focus issue again). If the top isn't setting the standard everything else is in limbo (so now things are gelling). Personally I've seen the emergence of a lot more serious donors and active patrons: Bonnie Serkin, Sarah Meigs, Justin Oswald, Ruth Ann Brown, Marjorie Myers, Jim Winkler, Kathy Abraham, Carol Smith-Larson and Al Solheim etc. but there needs to be another wave. It isn't just the Schnitzers anymore and there are a lot waiting in the wings who havn't gotten involved.

Also, Indianapolis has funded a major arts initiative... sure Portland has done the hard part, creating a viable internationally active scene but we need more directed activity on the funding aspect if they want Portland to become the arts city it could easilly be. I think more intelligent and nuanced arts coverage in local press outside of PORT is part of the missing equation too. Smart people with money simply don't read relentless community fluff and often wrongheaded analysis, they are busy and want consistently good coverage. Also of interest, here is a somewhat dated but interesting study on cultural venture philanthropy.

Tyler Green has been posting selections from Michael Auping's book 30 Years: Interviews and Outtakes. This one with Ellsworth Kelly is marvelous.

Edward Winkleman had this nice post on the oft repeated "too much art" mantra. Art is always full of trends that give permission to a lot of derivative stuff, the trick is learning how to filter out the "seen that already" stuff so that the better work can shine forth.

Last but not least, Artforum's diary did some of their trademark coverage on The Affair @ the Jupiter hotel and TBA