16.7.09

A coisa está realmente ficando preta

Sou assinante de muitas listas por email, além das newsletters das associações profissionais a que pertenço (não são muitas). Mas eis os efeitos da crise sobre as universidades (americanas): Várias estão vendendo ou leiloando seus acervos em museus para contrabalancear as perdas financeiras. Em tempos de crise, a arte salva - mas nem sempre como imaginamos.

"Dear Ms. Isabel Löfgren, M.F.A.,

Several university art museums or their school administrations have recently sold, or have attempted to sell, artworks and objects in their collections to offset operating costs. In response to this, CAA has joined a task force supporting the educational importance of preserving collections at university museums and galleries. The task force—which includes representatives from the American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of College and University Museums and Galleries, and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation—has established a two-pronged effort: 1) to recognize museums as integral educational resources in the university accreditation process; and 2) to heighten public awareness of the educational value of art museum collections.

Members of the task force are meeting with accreditation organizations throughout the country to enlist their support for the recognition of art museums as integral educational resources.

A petition has been prepared that reaffirms the integrity and value of university and college museums. (...)"