This is a conversation that has been reoccurring every so often in these parts. To put it in context… it specifically deals with the state of the arts. Though the question could be applied to anything… even personal issues.
But within the context of the arts the usual complaints are:
“It’s tough to get an audience to the show.”
“There are not enough venues to play.”
“That’s just not going to fly around here.”
Now, these are legitimate concerns here and really I would contend that these challenges can also be (in one form or another) applied to any town or city. This one does have it’s unique quirks about it.
The irony is that most of these concerns come from performers and artists who are unwilling to go the extra mile to overcoming these issues. (I used to be one a long while back.) They are usually too busy being an “artist” to concern themselves with an audience. The irony is (and I have said this on numerous occasions) a. “All the arts are mediums of communications.” b. “Without an audience your art does not exist.”
From the audience point of view the complaints are:
“Nothing happens here… there is nothing to do or see.”
“If it’s local… it can’t be good.”
“We never knew it was happening.”
To them I say… “BULLSHIT!” and “If you don’t support the local arts how do you expect it to get better?”
See the vicious cycle here? For every complain we toss out there how much of a hand do we have in creating the problem in the first place? In this case, we have 2 groups who are limiting themselves (and blaming each other) into oblivion and mediocrity.
2 slaps upside the head for everyone concerned.
