Houston Arts Alliance

[oliver]

There is a meet the new head Honcho of Houston Arts Alliance coming up at Diverse Works. So I thought I'd swing by the web site and check out mission statements, grants and etc.

Well the About Us language says things like, "The arts sector is a critical element of the economic and cultural vitality of the Greater Houston region." - but to qualify for a grant or fellowship from them there is a residency requirement. Interestingly, despite the language of the Greater Houston area you can live in Harris county (same place Houston is) and not qualify. There is even a specific list of such areas that do not qualify, that the post office lists as Houston addresses. I know - I live in one.

I found it interesting too that the grant process for the 2D seem to want to make the artist the consumer of the art as well - eg where should it be and why the benefit to the community. Interesting - I thought the artist was supposed to be the MAKER of the ART and in most cases the purchaser - the consumer.

Well of course you can cite any blank wall. They mention attract tourists and etc. Ok so any blank wall with lots of people - especially those with transportation. ..... Really odd stuff.

Perhaps too the relationship to art and health care and/or soothing people in tense areas - social services etc..... Weren't there lots of studies about color and emotional/physical reactions -- didn't McDonalds and other fast food places choose orange and yellows because they stimulated hunger and just the right balance between comfort and anxiety to make people want to come, eat and LEAVE (turnover is good -- allows for the next customer)....

A quick scan also said something about supporting the non profits?

Well hmmm maybe that is important, but shouldn't it be about the art? Well maybe the artist should also be a community servant to get community funds, but if the work is doing its job on the walls, isn't it doing enough? These aren't huge grants $3,000 for a new artist and $7,500 for an established person. Nice, a great resume builder, etc. But it would be interesting to understand what the ratio of administration is to grant.

Wonder if it would be better just to give someone a check book and do purchase awards. Hmmm there is that Blaffer show about Houston area artists coming up. Various web sites - this one, arthound and others.

Shouldn't one of the functions of the consumer be to choose where the art is displayed. Indeed in some cases there are calls for pieces for certain spots - especially in large scale sculpture - you see them frequently posted if you look in the right spots.

Other cities have their photographer laureate - Tampa for one, open to people other than community members - the requirement being that the work is about Tampa. Didn't see such a thing on the Houston site, but I must admit I didn't spend too long on it.

So anyway, I have a series Urbans, which to date is about Houston 70 images on my web site, has gotten some recognition - 3 pieces are currently in the Kaunas Photography Festival in Lithuania, I have a Houston address according to the post office, the images positive about Houston, appropriate for offices and other public places, restful, intriguing, visually exciting, have a little bit of an intellectual/art history challenge for those who care to go there.

Personally, I think they would be great in various locations in the Greater Houston area. My initial read of the web site is they aren't interested. Too bad!