What’s needed now in the arts in WV
Well, the Wag can only shake the waggly head, and wonder. Can it be true that at least as far as one reader is concerned, the most important current issue is the Wag’s syntax? That the only grievance is address-inspired resentment? And what does the term ‘culture czar’ really mean? Culture czar? A tyranical ruler? Don’t get the Wag started again. Perhaps the backwaters are stagnant, emitting foul vapors that are poisoning what otherwise might have been fine, creative minds. That’s one explanation, anyway.
The real issues here have little to do with any one person, nor with who’s the boss hog at the funding trough. The problem is a gaping lack of exposure, sensitivity and perspective. Sadly, our expectations are low, and most of us seem to be unaware of it. As West Virginians we once had the excuse that we were isolated. That simply isn’t true anymore, but we continue to think like we still are. Can it be a cultural habit? The Wag noted in an earlier blog that it is said that West Virginians are anti-education. Perhaps the better description of the prevailing attitude here is that education is superfluous. The amount, depth and breadth of education should be serious considerations for all positions of leadership here, not just the culture sector. If the leadership is truly aware, they will lead the people to awareness. Culture, created and inspired by education, determines the way economic development is pursued.
The Wag is calling for a serious investigation of the current state of West Virginia affairs in the arts, culture and history. Hey, Charleston Gazette and Charleston Daily Mail–there’s a lot more to the coverage of culture than calendars of events, sassy stories and photos of bands and other entertainment, and profiles of celebrities who happen to hit town. The prevailing public perception seems to be that the arts are a backwater, a diversion for the rich or a haven for weirdos. The current beefy power structure is oblivious to art and culture except in its most obvious, conventional forms–a clear result of the lack of sophisticated arts education in West Virginia schools, and a serious lack when it comes to a deep understanding of West Virginia culture and history.
Would it be possible to conduct a fair investigation of who gets what — and why? Whew, if excellent, incisive reportage and criticism were ever needed, it’s needed now.
August 9th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Of course it’s not the most important issue (a claim the syntax-critical commenter never made), but you do have an odd combination of third person and first person narrative going on, which I’ve never seen before. For someone who heaps criticism on others’ lack of proper educational background, I’d say a critique of your writing ability is not wholly irrelevant.
I have a question - why don’t you engage people in the comments section? Instead you wait a while and address people’s comments in an offhand manner in a later post, which I also find odd. It gives the appearance that you have an overinflated ego and are trying to make yourself out to be some kind of martyr because of the smidgen of criticism you receive. I believe it’s your personality that’s turning people off, not the substance of your criticism of the arts bureaucracy.
August 10th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
“Whew, if excellent, incisive reportage and criticism were ever needed, it’s needed now.”
I guess it’s much easier to call for it, than to actually do it. Wag seems to have a dog in this fight. It’s a bit disengenuous to hide behind a nom de plume and throw stones. Not much has changed here, I see.
August 11th, 2006 at 8:47 am
I think it’s one thing to blast the current power structure about its interest in the arts, but quite another to accuse the entire population of the state of being anti-education, or that there is a “lack of sophistication” in arts education in the schools. One thinks the Wag, instead of sitting off somewhere bitching anonymously (which makes one wonder if he hasn’t some axe to grind), should jump out and start the investigation himself.
Start at the grass-roots and call up the arts coordinator for Kanawha County Schools, Fonda Lockhart. Ask about the arts programs in that county, and I’m sure she can offer you names in other counties to call up. Then come back and tell us what you’ve found out.
You can never have enough arts education, especially in the younger grades, but the battle for arts in schools is between the legislators that want more readin’, writin’ and computers, and the parents that want well-rounded, college-ready children.
August 12th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Wags who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
August 20th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Wag, keep it up; don’t stop now. We need you. Ignore artistguy - what has he contributed to Charleston or to W.Va.
Keep it going.
August 24th, 2006 at 5:43 am
Three weeks since a post. This hardly is a blog. Local art deserves a good blog - c’mon Gazz, get it together!
August 27th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Does one get the idea that The Wag is a person with an agenda, and doesn’t really have anything to say about art?
August 27th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
So what’s up — did The Wag get a little too agitated and end up in a psych ward? Detox?
This blog has never lived up to its potential. So much of the rest of The Gazz blogs are stellar. Surely there is someone who can write on the arts in and around the Valley without pushing an agenda and posting on a regular basis.
September 7th, 2006 at 5:05 am
I am more concerned about the little number of new businesses attracted here compared to surrounding states…or the fact that their are no minorities in the new administration….or that the governor’s state of the state never mentioned education….I thought we were REAL Democrats here? We should be discussing those things first.
September 8th, 2006 at 5:57 am
The entire administration is weak. Arts are just the beginning of the problem….or, perhaps, the end.
September 8th, 2006 at 5:58 am
Minorities? with this administration? You’ve gots to be kidding. Won’t happen - unless …..–>