By now everyone has heard that Brandeis University is planning to sell off its art collection. (I've had tons of emails about this since last night and Tyler is definitely on it). In short, this is reprehensible... just like the idea of selling off the University of Iowa's super important Guggenheim Mural by Jackson Pollock was. It also underscores my concerns about a PNCA/MoCC merger. Institutions are defined by their priorities and a University has to be very stable to consider having a formalized collection under its care. Also, I believe that is where Obama's stimulus package needs to think beyond financial institutions. Museums and Universities are just as much the job creating entities that the automakers and lending institutions are, in fact they will likely outlive them.

Here's what one recent museum world layoff recipient has been up to. AKA, if the model is broken, make a new model.

Jerry Saltz discussed this interesting strategy for museums trying to deal with the current economic crisis, while still providing new programming.

I'm really glad that this issue is being discussed. I think that this is reflective of a larger view of the arts in our culture as something "extra" or "non-essential." The fact that arts and education have so many tangible (as well as important intangible) benefits, including the economic benefit of job creation. This discussion needs to happen both locally and nationally.

Re: the importance of arts in American culture, politics, and public policy - I highly recommend Arts, Inc. by Bill Ivey, the chairman of the NEA under Clinton.