Travelocity – what globalization means for the arts

I have returned to Oregon from my European expedition and research presentation at the International Conference on the Arts in Society in Venice. The trip was wonderful and rewarding in many ways as I:
1) Tromped around Venice and turned any street corner I wished depending on my whim.

2) Engaged in stimulating dialogue regarding the arts in society with conference attendees.

3) Met academics and arts practitioners from around the world!

There were many excellent sessions presented at the conference, and a few particularly sparked my thinking about the world and art. Colin Rhodes spoke about international art engagement framed by the Venice bienalle. Rhodes focused on the changing scope of art exhibits and increased access to the arts due to the “democratization of travel”. Interesting to think about, then I discovered this article from November 2006 noting the evolution of thinking in the arts.

Globalization and technology are forcing artists, curators and museum directors to rethink the world of American art. Curators and museum directors must now try to satisfy a more fragmented and complex art audience that has a vast array of media and entertainment choices at its fingertips and may not come from a traditional art-lovers background.

Many articles point to the increase in the use of technology as a result and instant communication streams. My recent post, Marketing Mayhem accounts my recent challenges in marketing arts organizations through media technology. Furthermore, I’ve noticed since then the true impact of Internet marketing through of social networking. (This blog, linked to facebook, linked to LinkedIn, connected to twitter).

I’ll argue that this is true in the performing arts as well as visual arts. For instance, the National Symphony recently began a campaign to tweet program notes in real time. Check out this article for details.

Returning to globalization, it is imperative for arts administrators to consider how the shrinking world affects arts audiences and organizational goals. As this article, Globalized Art, points out: “In a globalized world, art is becoming like any other commodity or product exported and imported worldwide”. Curating the Venice Biennale necessitated a focus on the place and location of the city as well as the visitors who come from around the globe to experience its culture.

The biggest challenge for arts organizations is to not reject how globalization affects the arts, but to adjust to the current climate in the art world. Some call this forward-thinking.

From: Biennale initiatives in the restored facility at Ca’ Giustinian

Find more like this: Arts Conference, July 2009