Whether the blustery winds and rain that fell earlier in the afternoon put a damper on the good intentions of those folks who were invited to attend and the possible host of area citizens who had marked the event on their calendars, I will never know. However in regards to attendance, the audience at the reception last night for the 2007 Arts Alive Juried Show in Federal Way, WA is surely dwindling.
While biting the hand that feeds me is not my intent, as a multiple art show entrant and occasional finalist, as well in 1995-97 a former Arts Commission member, what I can tell you is despite the hard work that went into the planning and execution of this event and evening, the overall growth of the show itself has not met its possible potential.
With no disrespect to present Commission members and staff, given available resources and budget, the body has been faithful, even diligent in their endeavors to replicate much the same frame and format for the show and accompanying reception (at least for all the years in my memory) with templates which for most intents and purposes appear to have changed little since the event was laid is place years ago.
"Aside from a few long-running Broadway fossils, most cultural purveyors in order to reach the optimum number of audience members, are under constant pressure to grow, build even higher, to innovate, remodel, egad – change."
Continuity in City departments who provide staff support for the Federal Way Arts Commission has been unusually stable and unfailingly steadfast over the course of time. I feel quite comfortable to say there isn’t a prospective entrant from even a decade ago who would not be able to instantly recognize today's juried show from whatever year they had previously entered in days long past.
While this rate of consistency is laudable in any agency. in the world of the creative arts just how many artists and say, dance companies churn out the exact same show practically down to the last brushstroke or note, whether it be a picture, skit or musical?
Aside from a few long-running Broadway fossils, most cultural purveyors in order to reach the optimum number of audience members, are under constant pressure to grow, build even higher, to innovate, remodel, egad – change!
Why must this be done? Because an essential part of what it means to be in the arts, is to be fresh, to be open for a relook, to be willing to remodel and recreate who you are not only to grow, but out of necessity - or even if only to keep up with your peers.
The organization who repeats the tried and true can find themselves giving a perfectly wonderful little show to increasingly smaller audiences whose former numbers have voted with their feet and gone elsewhere in search of variety, a different combinations or some nice scenery that isn't quite so familiar.
Audiences today are conditioned daily by advertisers to look for the new products, the new programs, and the new faces that are constantly coming down the turnpike. There is a certain amount of energy that is required to remain in the game and keep what you have to offer new and fresh. It is also the same with publicity and marketing.
Not everyone or every organization needs or wants to be at the very front of the line for everything, but in such a climate, it’s certainly not unreasonable to think about shopping for a new dress after you've worn the old one for a decade.
In the case of tonight’s event, however sincere and however admirably it was executed. I believe taking some serious time to take a look at the condition of today’s show and reception for the future’s sake will not be a waste of time, money or resources.
Keeping fresh as a body and program is essential - a quality you cannot afford to be without should you wish to be viewed as a viable player. It is a necessity, because in the real world you are always competing with those other people who are - whether it be for attention, an audience, long-term donors, short term community grants or multi-level corporate and philanthropic support.
"Whatever the outcome both Commissioner and staff willingness to move in this direction would clearly and unequivocally signal to greater audiences at large that the City of Federal Way Arts Commission is truly committed to keep the Arts Alive and not merely breathing."
From within and without you want to look like an investment that will succeed whether it is to the artists and performing arts networks whose talent you want to attract or the businessmen, educators, taxpayers groups as well as the average man and woman on the street.
A whole new look at the format of the annual juried show and reception is part of the cost of doing this kind of business period, and to this observer it is becoming increasingly evident that such a look may be past due.
Ultimately the ability to make the necessary transitions is closely linked with the ability to succeed, as I’m certain your fellow arts and arts program managers will agree. The result of new effort and energy required to redraw or revamp will add the much-needed polish to an older canvas. How you care for small things is also a reflection of your strength. Stagnant water, no matter how clear and pristine from the start and no matter how lovingly maintained, inadvertently tells you its age.
Considering the enormity of efforts by the Arts Commission and arts community in Federal Way to buckle-up their helmets and marshal all forces to weld unused linkages, attract new partners, discover new audiences, while networking with old friends and learning how to market to new populations in totally different ways should a pending feasibility study indicate a new performing arts center is needed - the reputation of the city’s overall art programs and perceived viability of their future is critical.
Whatever the outcome both Commissioner and staff willingness to move in this direction would clearly and unequivocally signal to greater audiences at large that the City of Federal Way Arts Commission is truly committed to keep the Arts Alive and not merely breathing.
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