Jen Graves‘ article, The Vancouver Problem, continues to unfold in our lives. Although she wrote it nearly a year ago, its effects are still being felt, most recently in a panel discussion at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. (March 8, 7 p.m. at the Schneebeck Concert
Hall, free admission.)
Panelists are tip top.
1. Scott Watson, director/curator of the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, professor in the Department of Art History and director and graduate advisor for the Critical Curatorial Studies Program at The University of British Columbia
2. Jonathan Middleton, Vancouver-based artist, director/curator of the Or Gallery, sessional instructor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and a founding member of the Projectile Publishing/Fillip Review
3. Liz Magor, Vancouver-based artist and associate professor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design
4. Rock Hushka, curator of contemporary art, Tacoma Art Museum
5. Matthew Offenbacher, Seattle-based artist and editor of La Norda Specialo
6. Jen Graves of course, art critic for The Stranger and adjunct faculty in art
history at Cornish College of the Arts
Issues will include but are not limited to:
1. Effects of governmental funding for the arts on cultural production
2. Geographical location in relation to individual and cultural senses of identity
3. Distinct relationships to the broader, global art world
4. Regional art histories and legacies
Graves suggested that Vancouver might be more of fertile terrain than other points Northwest.
Say organizers:
The forum’s purpose is to enhance cross-border communication and consider broader questions of identity in the age of globalization.
I had a few problems with Graves’ premise when it came out. Still, as a conversational catalyst, her piece can’t be beat.
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