Monday, October 30, 2006

Arts: Road to riches or silly distraction?

Interesting luncheon speech last week from writer Joel Kotkin. Sorry that I’m only now getting this blog post written. (My Observer colleague, Forum Editor Lew Powell, somehow thought he deserved a vacation, and the rest of us had to double up a bit to cover for him.)

Kotkin is Irvine Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation . His most recent book is “The City: A Global History.” He was a provocative choice to speak to a conference put on by the nonprofit group, Partners for Livable Communities, which drew a good number of people interested in public art programs, cultural amenities, creative economies, etc. I’ll confess right off I haven’t read his book. I’m only reporting what he said in his speech.

Part of Kotkin’s message was this: Forget “arts” as a way to economically reinvigorate cities. What successful cities throughout history have provided are public safety, functioning economies, upward mobility, and “sacred” spaces, which don’t necessarily have to be religious. If a city has commercial success, then arts and culture will flourish, as they have throughout history in cities such as Venice, Florence, Amsterdam, London and New York.

He quoted Herodotus, the 5th century-B.C.E. Greek historian: “Human prosperity does not abide long in one place.” His point: Cities rise and fall. Cities and regions compete. Get used to it.

“There is no case that I know of,” Kotkin said, where art has done anything by itself “except to create a tourist economy.” He obviously thinks cities that desperately chase the so-called “creative class” and don’t pay attention to basic needs such as public safety and infrastructure (streets, sewers, schools) are misguided.

I agree, up to a point. Cities have to have thriving economies or they stop being cities and dry up and blow away. Without the things he lists – safety, jobs, etc. – they fail. But the arts are a segment of an economy. They produce things other people want to buy. Artists buy supplies and many of them hire help. As such, they're small businesses. Cities wanting to diversify their economies – for example, old textile towns – need lots of different economic enterprises, and the arts should, or at least could, be among them.

And just one word: Asheville. Being known as an artsy town lures other artists.

But Kotkin’s cautions are well-taken. I’m not sure city boosters anywhere can just decide to become cool and artsy and have any promise of success.

One of Kotkin’s funniest quotes was from an unidentified talk radio host: “If you need a campaign to prove you’re hip and cool, you’re not.”

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

You can't 'buy' culture to give a city culture, but you can at least encourage it. Yeah, I think the city should concentrate on the basics and get our crime and traffic down, and boost education, but I have no problem as a taxpayer with public/private partnerships and catlyst projects that help make our city well rounded. We will never be a New York, even an Asheville, but for those of us who live here, a little color to the white bread atmosphere never hurt. OK bloggers, start blasting me.

Danimal

Unknown said...

I agree that Arts are a segment of the economy. Charlotte is in the process of spending a lot of money for Arts facilities downtown. They will generate money once the facilities are built for tourists and residents to visit and enjoy. My continuing complaint is the city council is concentrating all of their entertainment downtown instead of spreading the wealth to other sections of town. There is the football stadium, the basketball arena and now all of the Arts facilities are to be located downtown. This decision by city council is hurting other areas of town. In particular, my section of town, the east side, is suffering and could use some help. The transit station at Eastland Mall is one positive investment but we need more. With the east side in a state of decline, tax values are depressed. As a result, the city council is shooting themselves in the foot by having lower tax bases. Yes, downtown is doing well but balance is needed throughout Charlotte.

Anonymous said...

Charlotte,being dominated by banks is always going to be relatively uptight. That being said, there are slices of funkiness scattered all over the city. I just wish these nodes like Camden St,Thomas St,NoDa, etc were located closer to each other so some critical mass could be gained. Creating an "Arts" district downtown will be attractive looking but will still feel artificial. It needs to grow organically along with improving basic services that will encourage more people to live in the city.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Danimal. Nothing to add to his comments except that I think one factor that is sorely missing is a counter-culture area connected with UNCC.
That UNCC is so far away from NoDa and Plaza-Midwood makes that impossible.
Several places I've lived had that kind of atmosphere around whatever university campus...it was great. Arts and music flourished. It didn't need to be "bought."

Anonymous said...

As new in-migrants continue to come to Charlotte, they bring their unique cultures and talents to the city. Thus, our existing culture will be enriched. From a planning perspective, we need to get out of the way and let it happen.

As much as I like Asheville, it is a good example of hijacked bohemia that ultimately leads to higher costs of housing and gentrification. I don't have a problem with gentrification, per se, but most artists I know cannot afford the new condos in Asheville.

The "arts" strategy is, from a pure economic development perspective, a weak one. The quality of jobs created aren't that great and the industry is often dependent upon a philanthropic class to sustain it.

Anonymous said...

Truly creative artists create from a need to express an idea apart from market considerations.
They seek surroundings and communties that nuture this impulse.
Charlotte has always been a city of conformity
and corporate culture.
Charlotte developers and the uptown crowd (along with Urban Renewal) removed most of its ties to the past and along with it its soul (goodbye Coffee Cup).
You cannot create an Asheville by design.
To do so would be Prentious.

Anonymous said...

Under the really interesting topic of:

“sacred” spaces, which don’t necessarily have to be religious...

What would people suggest here in Charlotte? The "Square", hardly an coutdoor room but perhpas the best we got?

Anonymous said...

"...cities that desperately chase the so-called “creative class” and don’t pay attention to basic needs such as public safety and infrastructure (streets, sewers, schools) are misguided."

That needs to be a front page banner on a daily basis.

Not that our socialist GovCo is ever going to pay attention to basics, priorites, or any such bland concepts.

Anonymous said...

More than anything Charlotte needs culture. Culture is needed throughout the city, but it should stem from center city. A Visual & Performing Arts and Fashion & Design school, more gourmet ethnic (African, Asian, Caribbean and German) restaurants, and an international indoor flea market with live entertainment in center city would give Charlotte a culture boost.

Anonymous said...

Let's see, creative and artsy people often have progressive viewpoints and some are even GASP gay,bisexual,or transgendered. The Republican Biblethumpers that run this town think us gay Charlotteans are "the devil". Hmmm if I were an artist where would I choose to live in NC? intolerant Charlotte or accepting and culturally alive Asheville or The Triangle? Really hard choice. Snort. I have been here two years am getting out as as possible. This town will never embrace the arts because it's inherently racist and homophobic.

Anonymous said...

I am sympathetic with artistic needs to express ideas. Express away and practice creativity. I'm all for it. I am also fully supportive of communities of artists springing up in derelict neighborhoods and infusing them with capital and reinvestment. I simply don't think we need to implement formal government programs to make that happen. It happens organically and informally.

Anonymous said...

I love the arts but, I don't like the gay crowd that is associated with the culture. God said, "Be fruitful, mulitply and replinish the earth". If gays were the last people on earth, society would end with them, because gay couples can't reproduce. Therefore, it's not natural.

Cato said...

A couple of points:

First, it's worthwhile to make a distinction among "the arts" as they're discussed in Mary's piece. On the one hand, there are entrepreneurial artists: painters, sculptors, potters and similar folk who rent space, buy their materials, and sell works to their customers. Like Mary says, these are essentially small businesses. On the other hand are the arts institutions such as museums and performance organizations. These usually get by only with the assistance of donor and government support.

What Charlotte power-brokers haven't yet realized is that it's the former rather than the latter that 1) provides the funky and eclectic atmosphere that many people crave and 2) since they're not run on the taxpayer dime, or dependent on the kindness of strangers, actually contribute to economic growth.

The second point is that, even with that, a community of entrepreneurial artists probably isn't much of an economic stimulus.

Again, consider Asheville (don't think I'm dumping on it, it's one of my favorite places). It does have a thriving artistic community, but how has that paid off economically? If you're aware of any major employers that have moved there, I'll be happy to stand corrected. Its economy really rests on tourism and the 401(k)s of wealthy retirees fleeing the Florida summer. If you take those away, it's really a bunch of hippies selling each other homemade soap.

Anonymous said...

"Republican Biblethumpers that run this town?"

anon 10/31/2006 03:10:18 PM --

You need to check the letter in parenthesis behind the names of the elected officials. That "D" doesn't mean Republican.

Anonymous said...

Gay anonymous:
First, you need to thrill us with your creativity and come up with a better name than...anonymous.

Second, I don't think Charlotte is homophobic in any way. You might have a few who are vocal about their anti gay views but for the most part...its a non issue.

As Cato points out correctly, the kind of artsy area people seem to want to give Charlotte a more eclectic feel is that which is generated by artists themselves...naturally and without a city plan.

Trying to force it will certainly make it the pedestrian fantasy most Center City folks want...and most real artists would avoid.

Regardless of what political party is in power, arts thrive where real art is being made. NoDa is trying to do this, but unfortunately, it hasn't risen to the quality status it needs to yet.

As for museums, I love museums.
Cultural, fine arts, etc. But you need quality art to fill them...or some damn good travelling shows on loan from other collections or museums. Otherwise, you need to go to D.C. ( Atlanta depending on the show ) or Chicago, NY or any other bigger city with an established museum with a permanent collection worth the trip...as all of them are.

Charlotte is not there yet but if we are going to build museums they need to be done right.

MOMA and the MET, as well as the Chicago Art Institute ( or any major museum ) are full of Republicans and Democrats and Independents at any given time.
To suggest otherwise is ignorant and whiny.

Anonymous said...

The problem here is its not a gay or striaght issue... not a democrat or republican issue. It is a social issue plan and simple. Who tell their child to grow up and be a painter anymore or a dancer? Those jobs don't pay or you will be considered "GAY".

Art's are important in society and have taken a back seat to new entertainments outlets like TV and video games and video cameras.

If you look at classic works they show common life activites to server as documentation of the activites... we now have cameras that do that.

Yes Charlotte is dominated by the banks but I would say they are just as giving as any other company if not more.

Stereotypes that bankers are boring or conservative are just that Stereotypes. Most are risk takers cause like everyone else they are trying to make more money.

Government should focus on making sure everyone is treated equal, ensure our safety. Plan and simple.

Charlotte does have a culture... simple, new, clean, safe living

I do disagree with the city spending so much taxpayer's money to decorate the Lightrail stations. Just get them up and running. Modern clean lines can also be very interesting just like a piece of artwork.

To the person who doesn't want the Gay's that come along with it.. well not all of us are Artist.. most of us are common people with common jobs who live a pretty common life. We are also Taxpayers to this country. And if my life depended on it I would be willing to join the military to fight for my country but ofcourse I am not allowed so am I unpatriotic or less patriotic or deserving? And many of us do want children and society would continue because I was born this way just as you were born liking the opposite sex. Who in their right mind would choose to be discrimated against??? I am a white male who by all social standards has it all but because I find another male attractive I am classified almost sub human.

I am proud that I have moved past using the Bible to tell me what is right or wrong. As a free thinking Human Being I am proud that for myself I can determine what is right or wrong for myself and that I treat people as I would like to be treated with respect.

I could keep going but I have to get back to my common job. And I am willing to put my name out there cause there is nothing to hide from.

Anonymous said...

Marc,

2 issues:
First, when you say "The Republicans running to regain control of MCC brag that their first order of business will be the repealing of the Mecklenburg Non-Discrimination Ordinance"
suggests that the ordinance is on the books now. That would mean Charlotte is NOT homophobic by your standards.
You might fear the ordinance will be repealed ( then thinking Charlotte is homophobic because of it ) but I doubt it will be repealed because Republicans will not have that kind of control.

Second, I think Charlotte as a whole respects diversity...it just hasn't figured out how the best way to show it.

Anonymous said...

The thread was hijacked by a troll who posted offensieve rhetoric to provoke. The best thing to do is ignore the idiots and not give them the satisfaction of riling you.

I think the city could get quite creative by tapping into smaller, local artists and UNC Charlotte. Plenty of aspiring artists would love to apply their creativity and talents on behalf of public transit stations. I would support a strategy that focuses on local artists. It would be a win-win. Lower costs and greater opportunities for a local artist to showcase her/his talents

Anonymous said...

Uh, Marc, the troll comment was not for you. Lighten up.

I'm not sure what type of art would be appropriate for the Family values crowd (whatever those are), but I can think of plenty of themes that would be non-threatening. Or, simply make something "pretty" without conforming to some "mill" theme or "banking" theme. Pretty is subjective, of course, but it can usually be accomplished without get Mapplethorpish, don't you think?

Anonymous said...

Actually, Mapplethorpe did some great floral pieces as well as b & w nudes ( but not full frontal nudity ) on linen...excellent photography. The xyz portion of his exhibit, which caused the controversy, looked more like student work ( bad student work).

Cato said...

I'd like to issue a benign challenge. Everyone here who claims to love art and culture (or is at least curious) - if you haven't already done so - go to the Mint (the Randolph Rd location) and check out the "Encouraging American Genius" exhibit. It's in town through the end of the year. It looks like a fine collection.

I'm always eager to see anything by Edward Hopper.

http://www.themintmuseums.org/exhibit.php?exhibit_id=52

Anonymous said...

I'll definitely check it out.
These are the travelling shows we need to keep coming here.

Anonymous said...

The question was originally whether or not tax money should be used to encourage an art community. The speaker, Joel Kotkin, said no. I agree with him. Unfortunately, in Charlotte/Mecklenburg we already spend way too much on public art, not counting direct and indirect subsidies for artsy organizations.

Currently most public buildings require 1% of the construction price be spent on art. Beyond disagreeing with the idea on principle, the amount is inflationary. A $50,000,000 facility will require $500,000 be spent on art. Acceptable artwork can be obtained for much less than that, but since that is what is required to be spent, the price of art rises to the amount to be spent. This is fine for the artist and friends of the artist, some of who usually live locally, but it is abusive to the taxpayers.

Beyond this, as other comments have said, art will come without subsidies. For a fact it will. I know many artists personally who have nothing to do with public subsidies, who ply their trade, some keeping a second job to be able to keep their artistic side alive. They are painters, musicians, potters etc.

The problem of the pro subsidy crowd, is without subisdies they cannot control what or where the art will be.

Unknown said...

Lewis,
You are correct,it's a silly rule that is not practical to allocate 1% of the project costs to art. It results in a big waste of public funds. I would also agree with you that art happens without public subsidies.

But don't you agree that is the role of local government to provide museums along with police protection and garbage pick up? I think it is a valid role for local government. My difference with City Council is for them to quit locating all of the places of entertainment downtown. We have some great big boxes in East Charlotte where the Mint Museum of Art could locate itself at much less cost.

Anonymous said...

Frank,

You ask a question which mixes pragmatizm with theory.

Theoritically, I completely disagree that the role of local government includes museums. Obviously you disagree.

However, assuming you to be right, what museums would one fund, and how would you determine that.

We have the Mint Museum which does one thing, and Discovery Place, if it can be called a museum, which does another. The public libraries of museums of a type. When does one stop, or who makes the decisions. It becomes unending, much like letting Pendergraf have a SWAT team. Why?

Unknown said...

Lewis,
I see that your beliefs are more restrictive with use of taxed funds than mine are. I feel that providing good museums, parks and zoos are valid government outlays to enrich the lives of public. I would not fund all of the museums that the downtown banks are planning for us. I would fund the Mint Museum not the Beckler Museum. All art would be consolidated in one museum. If Beckler wants to donate art, he must do it with no strings attached. We have the History Museum already established, I think its a good idea to keep that as a link to our history.

Any other museums should be funded by private sources. Oh and by the way, I would place the Mint Museum in an abandoned bix box retail on Albermarle close to population who who would patronize it and keep costs down.

No, Pendergraph does not need a SWAT team, that would be the function of the police department.

Anonymous said...

Many people say that Athens started going downhill in her long struggle with the Lacedaimons when Pericles looted the Public Treasury to build the Parthenon and other Archietectural marvels. In the end his enemies and barbarians took over the Polis and looked in wonder on the wonderful ruins of her buildings.

Anonymous said...

We need good shows in this town. Here's an example of a great one that we could easily get at the convention center. I've emailed it to all of city council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Any idea's how to attract more events that are actually interesting ?
http://www.bodyworlds.com

Anonymous said...

We just had the Charlotte Fine Craft Show this weekend. Incredible artowork. Glass, metal, wood, fabric. I was amazed we had that much talent visit Charlotte. The sad thing is that most that I talked to said they didn't sell much. That it was the worst stop on the circuit. I bought a great custom coffee table and some of my friends parted with cash as well. But for the majority I fear Charlotte will always remain a Walmart / sports town. Give us more of it and give it to us cheaper mentality. No value in originality or quality for this town. Like I said, the majority. Not all of us. But sadly not enough of us to support it. Most I talked with will be skipping the stop in Charlotte next year. What a total shame.

Anonymous said...

Until Charlotte cleans up the crime problem Uptown I won't be bringing my family there. Get rid of the gang-bangers and the punks & thugs and maybe I'll spend money and time there.

I was at the 4th of July celebration a few years ago when the riot broke out. I had 2 kids (one a baby) and my wife with me. When our idiot chief of police refused to admit gangs were involved and that Charlotte has a gang problem I pretty much gave up on uptown.

I'm all for the arts, but can we clean up the thugs & crime first?

Anonymous said...

I agree with the last poster. I have lived uptown for over 3 years and haven't had an issue. But I avoid Tryon past 7th street. It's all bums and "thugs" hanging out loitering and sitting all over the benches. That's the same area the July 4th riot broke out this year. When I contacted police about this area 2 years ago they told me that Charlotte doesn't have a "no loitering" law. I said they need to get one. I was told it wouldn't happen and there are lots of cities being sued because it discriminating.

BIG OLD B.S.to that !!!

I've been to plenty of other cities where cops actually have balls and will crack your damn head open if you don't "move along".
What is wrong with a cop walking his beat and if he passes by the same spot three times and you are still just hanging out that he asks you to move along ?
We need tougher cops and the laws that will allow them to be tougher. This isn't Mayberry anymore.
We are on the verge of becoming a thriving downtown residential city. Don't blow it.
WAKE UP MAYOR. FIRE THE POLICE CHIEF. CHANGE THE LAWS.

Anonymous said...

I've lived in South End and I now live Uptown. I'm now selling my place and moving to the 'burbs.

I wish I didn't have to, but I feel compelled to because of the increasing crime problem. I love having restaurants close by and walking to work.

But I value my wife's safety over the easy commute. After our car was broken into (3rd time in 2 years ) and the police wouldn't even file a report (they said to do it online!) I figured this city cares more about promoting itself as cool than actually doing something about its problems.

I don't blame the front-line police - they are great people...I blame the chief, his minions and the mayor. All chumps who value appearance over results.