The state of the arts in Las Vegas has been quite interesting this year. Most emerging artists are perpetually in a recession so this year it seemed like a depression from where they are sitting in the downtown 18b Arts District.Your browser may not support display of this image.
A breath of fresh air came like a wave over the 18b district a few months ago with the opening of the Brett Wesley Gallery on Charleston, across the street from the Arts Factory. This brand new modern design, LA styled architecture, has drawn another dimension to the area, including a new crowd of collectors.
The upscale new 2-story gallery also provides Chamber music on Thursday nights, while viewing the contemporary art works showcased on a rotating basis. Your browser may not support display of this image.
This opening was an inspiration to the artists during a dismal economy. It has actually pulled the artists and non-profit groups together to fund raise and auction goods to keep the area alive. First Friday events are larger and more active than ever, and will be adding another 3rd Friday to their monthly gatherings.
Artists figured out ways to survive the crisis by painting smaller canvases, displaying crafts and being more innovative, by promoting the district in a variety of creative ways.
It’s wonderful to see talent emerge during transitory times, especially since it’s been a struggle for these artists in the downtown area. All they get from politicians is promise, since the area is predominately run by real estate developers, who use these artists/ galleries to attract land/lease deals for their own personal profit.
The recent opening of the new MGM City Center, with 40 million dollars of artwork by well know artists is certainly an attraction that has been long over due. However, they failed to include any of the local artists in the exhibition… How does this have a positive effect on the local arts community? Will this attraction draw tourist’s downtown?
The arts have very serious and positive impacts on a City, both economically and culturally. So is City Center supposed to be our new MUSEUM? Can this propel a new cultural image on the worldstage for Las Vegas? Time will tell? I welcome your feedback!
Many people in this town could care less about the arts because they may not understand the benefits or impact it can have on a community. Getting educated about a very old and traditional investment may be real smart, especially in a down economy. Afterall, MGM and Steve Wynn just acquired nearly 75 million dollars in artworks.
There must be good reasons for that.
The local community can really take part in the development of the ARTS here by getting involved in several ways that trickle down into our school systems and arts community. The closure of our school programs for the arts will only propel the city backward, according to cultural global standards.
Visit the arts area downtown and bring friends. Collect some ART and crafts that’s affordable. Research how other Nations support their programs and benefit.
There are numerous local artists’ right here who are producing products that can be sold in other markets. When you think about VEGAS what else do we produce or export? Supporting our local artists can create jobs! There is an industry here, which most residents do not seem to notice, and that’s a shame.
In Europe, several countries like England and Scotland have their ARTS Councils financing COLLECTORS to OWN ART! They actually loan, interest free funds, 0 % APR, from 100 pounds to 2000 pounds, to make it really easy to acquire some artwork without using credit cards. This layaway plan has stimulated the market and recently 180 million dollars of contemporary artworks were auctioned off at Sotheby’s in London. www.CNN.com
Fell free to express your ART Voice. Submit feedback.
For more info: check out
http://www.ownart.org.uk/ownart
http://www.scottisharts.org.uk
Wishing all a joyous Holiday Season and a prosperous 2010!
ARTPEACE! AUDREY ROBERTS
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