Here's my last thought for the year.
The world of the arts is just like the world itself. That means it can be beautiful, ugly, fair and unfair at the same time.
The people in the arts are just people. Just because someone wears the label of artist doesn't mean that they are creative, noble or good partners. The artist label also doesn't mean that person doesn't understand business or strategy.
Arts organizations are just like any organization in any field. Some are awesome, many more are mediocre. A few are horrible places you should avoid at all costs.
My point is that this place isn't necessarily special. If you entered the world of the arts hoping to avoid the issues that makes the world in general a challenging place then you will be disappointed.
But on the other hand . . . .
The reason I stay in the arts is because every once in a while something magical happens. Every once in a while art puts something special in the hearts and mind of those who receive it and create it.
Those moments are worth fighting for.
I hope you had a fantastic 2011. I wish you the best for 2012. See you on Monday, Jan. 2nd
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