A Strange Mix
So I had a conversation with a friend of mine on the way into school this week, in regards to what has been happening with an art festival I helped out with this past summer and the surrounding some disagreements happening between some of the original Board of Directors. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone. I understand both sides. Art and business sometimes just doesn’t work.
Take for example the art show in Toronto “Nuit Blanche.” A story that went through most of the Canadian press outlets about the event, gave examples of patrons to the event saying that it was over commercialized. Also, the amount of art and/or artists dwindled significantly from the previous year. The author of the linked article was quite adamant that the organizers of said event were sure to call it “Scotiabank Nuit Blanche,” not just “Nuit Blanche.” Once again, I see both sides: Scotiabank wanted to make it bigger and better, but they also wanted their money’s worth in investing in such an event. I can understand why the artists didn’t end up showing up this year because of the gratuitous corporate presence.
I’ve said all that to say this: I understand both sides. I really do. There has to be a little peace between corporate types and artists. I think I have a little of both in me; I’m neither Picasso nor Donald Trump, but I think I could do great in business with the right kind of business, but I also am – to a certain extent – an artist. I wouldn’t be in a design course if I didn’t think I could at least hold my own, and I wouldn’t be seriously considering starting a business in the near future if I didn’t think I could handle it. It’s an interesting oxymoron. The art of business.
I may bring world piece. Well, at least in these two worlds. Or I’ll just make a good chunk of change trying.