Hans Haacke, "Shapolsky et al. Manhattan Real Estate Holdings, A Real-Time Social System, as of May 1, 1971." 1971.

In the late-1990s I took a graduate seminar on “museums and institutional critique” that focused on artistic and curatorial practices in the 1980s and 90s, and included a series of guest lectures by artists, curators, and the like. It became a bit of a joke that during each class there’d come a point in the conversation where we’d be talking about how an artwork, exhibition, or program was put together, and I’d always raise my hand and ask how it was funded. (Foreshadowing my future career in fundraising, perhaps?)

Leonardo da Vinci, view of a skull, c. 1489. Gabriel Orozco, "Black Kites," 1997. Damian Hirst, "For the Love of God," 2007.

Asking these questions was not a matter of tabloid curiosity, or an exercise in mapping the dirty money that fuels lofty aesthetic pursuits ala Hans Haacke’s Shapolsky et al. Manhattan Real Estate Holdings, A Real Time Social System, as of May 1, 1971. Instead, it always seemed to me that how art is funded tells us something about the way it participates in a larger network of institutions, markets, and audiences. The questions of how art is valued and how it is monetized inevitably overlap: artworks perceived as “important” yield high prices at auction; economic development funding goes to out-of-the-way cultural institutions that bring high quality programming and consequently, tourists, to their neighborhoods; exhibitions that push boundaries attract grants from foundations dedicated to promoting free speech; arts education is consistently underfunded.

Kerry James Marshall, "Untitled," 2008. James Lee Byars, "The Perfect Table," 1989.

How many times have you asked yourself how Art21-featured artists were able to fund a large scale project – Ann Hamilton’s Corpus, for instance, or Cai Guo-Qiang’s Inopportune: Stage One? Or wondered who buys works by Iñigo Maglano Ovalle, Kerry James Marshall, or Janine Antoni and how much they pay? Buried within questions about the economics of art, are assumptions and often, judgments, about its value that beg to be examined: How is the value of an artist’s intellectual versus physical labor calculated? Are collectible works valued differently than ephemeral projects?

Tom Friedman, "Untitled," 1995. Rirkrit Tiravanija, "Unititled," 2002.

How does individual “taste” and critical reception affect the value of an artwork, exhibition, or institution? What factors influence the way we value an artistic experience, as individuals and as a society?

How do we quantify the intangible benefits that art education provides? How do we talk about the subtle and personal value that art has in our lives?

1971 cover of Artforum featuring the PASTA strike; 2006 National Post article on the "gallerina" phenomenon.

The current global financial crisis has given the question “What is the value of art?” a new urgency as we come to terms with not only a downturn in the art market, but with the larger societal changes caused by the crisis that are sure to affect the way art is made, distributed, valued, and consumed in the coming years. Over the next two months Flash Points will present a multifaceted look at both topical issues—recent deaccessioning controversies, how the recession is affecting artists and institutions—as well as explore larger philosophical issues about the deeply complicated relationship between art and money, and tackle thorny questions about the value of art in our individual lives.

We welcome your input. Please feel free to comment, share ideas on what you’d like to see here, and post questions for our regular writers, guest bloggers, and Art21 staff.

Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry, 1932-33. North Wall at the Detroit Institute of the Arts.

I must say I’m finding the vociferous opposition in Congress over the allocation of a mere $50 million dollars to the National Endowment for the Arts to help strengthen arts institutions (as part of the $800+ billion economic stimulus package!) pretty disheartening. Despite the relatively lavish attention given to arts policy by the Obama campaign and ambitious proposals put forth for support of artists and arts education, it very much remains to be seen how the recent changes in the political landscape might affect the way art is produced and presented in the United States.

As you probably know, Obama convened an extraordinary group of arts leaders to advise him in the early stages of his campaign. The platform was centered on “reinvesting in arts education,” with significant planks for supporting individual artists through providing affordable health care, ensuring tax fairness for artists, and promoting cultural exchange.

More detailed policy recommendations were presented to the Obama transition team by the Performing Arts Policy Group, crafted with input from visual arts and literature organizations in addition to representatives from the music, dance, and theatre communities. This must-read document includes recommendations for the expansion of the NEA, arts education, and cultural diplomacy initiatives as well as the creation of an “artists corps” and the appointment of a senior level official to coordinate arts and cultural policy.

Much of the debate since Obama’s election has centered on the question of whether the senior arts policy position should be a cabinet-level office that directs policy, or something akin to the Office of Science and Technology, which is more advisory. Quincy Jones is perhaps the most high-profile proponent of creating a cabinet-level “Secretary of the Arts”; prior to the election he claimed he’d “beg” Obama for it, though there is also a much quoted New York Times editorial by William Ferris, the former chairman of the National Institute of the Humanities, that forcefully made this plea.

Richard Serra (Season 1) was more ambivalent on the question of whether the position should be cabinet-level, but has added his voice to the call (literally in Studio 360’s “Voicemail for Barack” series).

There are also those that argue against a cabinet-level position: the Wall Street Journal, for one. And Tyler Green at Modern Art Notes argues against a cabinet-level position in favor of the Office of Science and Technology Policy model.

Of course, underlying so many of the questions at stake are the extreme challenges to artists, non-profit arts institutions, and arts education programs posed by the current recession. Green is eloquent on the subject: “At a time when the federal government is spending around $1 trillion to prop up the economy and to bail out failed businesses (with more dollars apparently on the way), it’s shameful that there is yet no federal effort to ensure that financially troubled but nationally important, programmatically successful cultural institutions (many of which are also economically important to their regions) receive economic assistance too.” Equally articulate is Michael Kaiser in his Washington Post editorial, “No Bailout for the Arts?” (Kaiser heads the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts).

Indeed, one of the major arguments for creating a senior arts policy position is to call national attention to the contributions of artists and arts institutions to our quality of life and the vibrancy of our economy. The “bailout bill” that just passed in the House of Representatives does include $50 million in recovery funds for the NEA, but the Senate version of the bill does not. I was particularly struck by the first comment on last week’s New York Times Arts Beat post about the bailout bill that asked “what is arts infrastructure?” forcefully underscoring the need for leadership and advocacy for the arts at the federal level.

As someone who deals with the challenges of funding for Art21 on a day to day basis, I can see very clearly the benefits to having strong national leadership on arts policy. But we’d like to hear from you. What changes would you like to see made? How might the appointment of a senior arts policy adviser affect your lives as artists, teachers, writers, art lovers, etc.?

Beth Allen is Director of Development for Art21.

Dear Readers,

With the holidays upon us and with the economy in a recession, I’ve been thinking a lot about values – about what I am most thankful for this year and what is most important to me – and really taking time this year to savor the spirit of the season.

For me, as is the case with many of you I imagine, art is one of those things that I am most thankful for and deeply value. I love the way art introduces me to new ideas, inspires new thoughts and feelings, and makes me feel connected with the world we live in and with my humanity in a way that no other experience does.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to view new footage of an artist featured in the upcoming season of Art:21-Art in the Twenty-First Century. I can’t tell you who it is (you’ll find out soon enough!), but I can tell you it was of an artist whose work I am passionate about. I remember the first time I saw his work. Wow! For months after seeing the exhibition I sought out everything that had been written on the artist, trawling the Internet for information, reviews, images, and videos.

Being able to see the artist working and talking about his work reconnected me with that “Wow!” moment and the “wanting to know more” that leads so many people each year to find Art21 on PBS and Netflix, through Internet searches, checking our books out at the library, and by attending local screenings. It is deeply gratifying to work at Art21 and to give others the opportunity to glimpse inside an artist’s studio and to hear artists talk about their work.

Because of your support over the past year, we have been able to create and distribute new online videos through our Art:21-Exclusive series (already one of the most popular visual arts podcasts on iTunes) as well as to launch a lively blog offering diverse writings on art, artists, communities, and timely issues. We’ve received many emails and letters asking for more videos and resources over the years, and it has been invigorating to be able to finally answer this call.

While we know it’s tough out there, we hope that those of you with the means will help make our future work possible with a 100% tax-deductible gift to the Art21 Annual Fund this season. Gifts to the Annual Fund will help us to realize many new projects in the works – enhanced resources for teachers and students, original videos, artist projects, and a new season of the television series premiering on PBS in Fall 2009.

We look forward to continuing to produce work that allows audiences worldwide to experience the “Wow!” of discovering contemporary art.

Thank you so much in advance for your continued support.

Cheers to a peaceful and happy season,

Beth Allen
Director of Development

Art21′s first ever online fundraising drive ends at midnight tonight!

If you haven’t yet donated, there are still several hours left to support Art21′s many projects including the ongoing initiatives:

• – Production of Art:21, Season Five for national broadcast in Fall 2009;
• – Free education materials and programs distributed to teachers nationwide;
• – Public screenings and screening-based programs in selected cities, and at regional and national art education conferences.

And new projects too:

• – Filming and editing for short-format online videos
• – New dynamic website with more video, artists projects, and interactive features.

Some examples of what specific donation levels support see Wednesday’s post here.

Those who donate $10 or more through Art21.org/donate or through the Art21 Facebook Cause by 11:59 PM, Friday, June 20, 2008 will be eligible to win Art21 DVDs and Books:

RAFFLE
Art21 DVDs: Complete Set (4 Seasons)
Art21 Books: Complete Set (4 Seasons)
GRAND PRIZE: Complete Set (4 Seasons) of Art21 DVDs and Books.

Art21 FACEBOOK CHALLENGE
Use the Art21 Facebook Cause to help spread the word. The #1 Fundraiser in the Art21 “Hall of Fame,” raising at least $100 by June 20, 2008, will automatically receive a complete set of Art21 DVDs.

Winners will be contacted next week.

One last time, we’d like to express our appreciation to everyone who has donated to our first online campaign, or helped spread the word through the Art21 Facebook Cause.

Many, many thanks from all of us at Art21!

We’d like to welcome the 58 first-time donors who have donated to Art21 during the last 9 days! Thank you for offering your support of Art21.

There are still 30 hours left to join this group of new supporters during Art21′s first online fundraising drive.

Donations to the Art21 are 100% tax deductible and help our small, independent organization produce a variety of media-based programs and educational resources: from our Peabody-award winning TV series Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century and the Art21 Educators’ Guide that accompanies each season, to new exclusive online videos, such as today’s feature with Season 1 artist Mel Chin.

We hope you will join in helping to sustain our programs. Donate $10 or more at Art21.org/donate or via the Art21 Facebook Cause by 11:59 pm on June 20, 2008 and be entered in the raffle to win Art21 DVDs and books. Read the original post for details.

Thank you.

We are heartened by the many donations received during the first Art21 Online Fundraising Drive via Art21.org/donate and the Art21 Facebook Cause. Individuals in 13 U.S. states and 1 foreign country (Austraila!) have donated so far. Your generosity means a great deal to all of us at Art21.

There are three days left to donate and be entered to win Art21 DVDs and books. Here is what your donation will provide for the Art21 community:

$10 – 5 Art21 Educators’ Guides provided free of charge to 5 teachers;

$25 – Tape stock to film 1 hour with a Season Five artist in high definition;

$50 – Weekly lunch stipend for a summer intern in our public programs department;

$100 – 1 hour transcription of an artist interview for Art21’s books, Educators’ Guides, and website;

$250 – Art21 editor for a short-format video created for viewing on this blog;

Every 100% tax deductible donation helps us introduce contemporary art and artists to additional viewers – including thousands of students each year.

All those who donate $10 or more to Art21 by this Friday, June 20, 2008 will be entered to win Art21 DVDs and books. Read here for details.

Thank you so much for your support!

As I write, Art21′s founder and executive director, Susan Sollins, is attending the 37th Annual George Foster Peabody Award ceremony to accept the award being given to the Protest episode from Season 4 of Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century. What a way to start the week!

We hope you will consider making a gift today in honor of this momentous occasion. Donations can be made via Art21.org/donate or the Art21 Facebook Cause.

As filmmakers we are very deeply honored to receive the Peabody Award. One of 35 programs selected as “the best in electronic media,” our fellow awardees, include producers for major news organizations (CNN, ABC, CBS, BBC) and established PBS programs (Nature, Frontline, Independent Lens), as well as those of The Colbert Report and 30 Rock – a testament to the importance of artists’ voices to our national conversation and to the Art21 series that allows their voices to be heard.

Our winning episode features Nancy Spero, Alfredo Jarr, Jenny Holzer, and An-My Lê sharing their processes of making artworks that grapple with the complexities of global politics and activism, and exemplifies Art21′s approach of showcasing artists’ deep engagement with the world around them.

If you haven’t seen the full program yet, consider entering to win your very own copy! Donate $10 or more to Art21 by Friday, June 20, 2008 to be entered to win Art21 DVDs and books, including our Peabody-Award winning episode. Read here for details.Thanks so much to all of you who have already made a donation, or helped to spread the word on Facebook. As of this post, 118 people have joined our cause! We greatly appreciate everyone’s support during our first-ever online fundraiser.

There is one more week to donate to Art21’s first-ever Online Fundraising Drive and be entered to win Art21 DVDs and books! Donate today at Art21.org/donate or the Art21 Facebook Cause to support the production of our TV series, education materials, and extensive Public Programs.

As an organization without a physical exhibition space, Art21 welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with museums, schools, libraries, and other community organizations on public screenings of Art:21. Wherever possible, we like to pair screenings with discussions, and thanks to our new blog, we have been able to share several of these with you during the past few months.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading excerpts from our series of events at the New York Public Library this winter, most recently the interview with video artist and Art21 Consulting Director, Charles Atlas.

Charles Atlas’ work on Art:21 is representative of our approach: we collaborate with extremely talented individuals to help create our films and programs. In a conversation last fall, the artist spoke about his work on the series:

We really try to honor the people that have been chosen for the series.

I’ve had a long experience in television, and when I’m making something for television, I think about how it’s going to be received, in the same way when I’m making something for a gallery, I think about that context.

What we’re making is 13 minute portraits of artists and their work. This is the primary subject, and the subject is much more important than the forum. Things that you might do in a 13-minute [art] piece that would seem to be fun or interesting wouldn’t necessarily serve the art.

We make variations on the 13 minute documentary. The artists speak for themselves mostly and I try to break down a little bit of the opaqueness. Some of what we actually shoot is quite difficult, so we try to make it clearer without changing the meaning.

In the coming months we will be offering additional excerpts from Art21 Public Programs on our blog and keeping you informed of upcoming Art21 programs nationwide. Donate to Art21 at Art21.org/donate or the Art21 Facebook Cause today to help make this possible!

All those who donate $10 or more to Art21 by Friday, June 20, 2008 will be entered to win Art21 DVDs and books. Read here for details.

First off, we’d like to give props to everyone who has already made a donation to Art21 or joined our Facebook Cause. THANK YOU for a terrific first-day response!

Did you know filming and editing costs for Art21 Exclusive videos with artists are paid for by donations to Art21? When we filmed Josiah McElheny last summer, he described what he took away from the Art21 experience:

Art:21 made me question what role the artist should have or can have in defining what art is.

What it made me realize is that if I, or other artists, are going to participate in documentaries, we really need to use that opportunity to try to define why art is important. That sounds like such a big subject, but I think artists can do it in a way that goes beyond ‘This is what artwork means.’

Art is a space in which the individual can function without regard for the structures that influence most of our life. Most people’s experience of their work life is to be in a structure that’s involved directly with making money, with helping people, etc. But art occupies one of the few places in life where there is a kind of open-endedness.

We all need to have this open space. I really believe that, and hopefully art can promote that. It’s what artists are doing and we need to explain that, each of us, in our own individual way.

We know that many who are reading this blog are working artists, teaching artists, and art-lovers. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. How do you define what art is and why it is important?

We need your help. We want to offer more Art21 Exclusive videos. Donate to Art21 at Art21.org/donate or the Art21 Facebook Cause to help make this possible!

All those who donate $10 or more to Art21 by Friday, June 20, 2008 will be entered to win Art21 DVDs and books. Read here for details. P.S. The Facebook Challenge is still wide open!

Welcome to Art21′s first ever online fundraising drive! The drive launches today and will run through June 20, 2008, simultaneously at Art21.org/donate and via the Art21 Facebook Cause. Throughout the fundraising drive we will showcase what donations to Art21 will provide, but for our first post, we wanted to give a little bit of background information on our organization.

As you might know, Art21 is an independent non-profit organization. We are often thought of as being part of PBS, but we actually produce our television series independently, and are funded primarily by generous donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts. Art21 has been around now for just over 10 years, and has a New York-based staff of 10 very-hardworking people.

Donations to Art21 are 100% tax deductible and cover the not-insignificant expenses of producing our Peabody Award-winning television series, education materials, public programs, and most recently: the new online videos (released weekly on this blog, and on YouTube, BlipTV, and iTunes); Joe Fusaro’s “Teaching with Contemporary Art” column; and columns by our guest bloggers. We also have a number of new projects in the works, including a redesigned, interactive website that will launch in late-2009, timed to coincide with the broadcast of Season Five of Art:21–Art in the Twenty First Century.

We’re offering an incentive to those of you who join in supporting Art21 at this time. Those who donate $10 or more through Art21.org/donate or through the Art21 Facebook Cause by Friday, June 20, 2008 will be eligible to win Art21 DVDs and Books:

RAFFLE
Art21 DVDs: Complete Set (4 Seasons)
Art21 Books: Complete Set (4 Seasons)
GRAND PRIZE: Complete Set (4 Seasons) of Art21 DVDs and Books.

Art21 FACEBOOK CHALLENGE
Use the Art21 Facebook Cause to help spread the word. The #1 Fundraiser in the Art21 “Hall of Fame,” raising at least $100 by June 20, 2008, will automatically receive a complete set of Art21 DVDs.

Thanks to all of you who have supported Art21 financially in the past, and welcome to all our new readers and donors!