off-stage right

I read Arlene Goldbard’s “advise to Rocco Landesman” yesterday.  I was bothered that she did not seem to have much access to research into Rocco’s commentary on theater and specifically non-profit theater.  The most important being a piece he wrote for the NY Times in 2000 (see this post for the article and more quotes), so I was compelled to write a brief response.

I really do think Rocco Landesman is a GREAT choice for running the NEA.  I think we need him right now.  I read about some of the others who were considered (they were listed in one of the articles and I googled them) and he was in my opinion the best choice.  I really believe, as I wrote a few days ago, that we are at the beginning of a modern renaissance for the arts.   We are finally on a path to being relevant in our communities and making theater important again.  We need to have an open mind for change and we MUST stop talking about working within our communities and start actually doing the work, and I am proud to see examples of this happening all across the country.   A leader like Rocco Landesman is exactly the type of person the arts need in Washington D.C.  He is a thinker and a doer.  He is innovative, aggressive and he gets what non-profits are supposed to be doing (something I worry some folks in the non-profit world often forget in the quest to be more commercial, to transfer shows and to chase enhancement money).

I respect Arelene’s thoughts on the symbolism of the NEA, but I think Rocco may be just the guy to take the NEA from being a arts version of the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” to a vibrant, functional, and integral agency that has underscores the importance of the arts in society, has an impact on the cultural landscape of the country and provides a diverse slate of funding.

Related posts:

1. Rocco’s first interview
2. The artist’s obligation to smaller communities?