MN Fringe Festival – Brave New Workshop Student Union – Tuesday Aug 7 – 8:30 PM – Guest: Kaywin Feldman, Director of the MIA
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is a shining gem on Minnesota’s crown. The MIA showcases an encyclopedic collection that features some of greatest works of art in the world. What truly sets it apart from other institutions, is that the collection is free. Anyone can appreciate some of the best forms of human expression for no cost. As a public museum, the art belongs to all of us and the MIA is the caretaker.
In our current economic downturn, can the MIA continue on that path? Why should people subsidize the preservation and presentation of art works that may offend, alienate, or that some may consider harmful to the soul? Should we continue to support public art or perhaps we should introduce market elements similar to the ideas behind Museum Inc?
Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class, argues that the necessary elements for increasing a city’s GDP are creative and artistic opportunities that will attract creative and productive talent to live in that area. In that regard, you could argue that investments in the MIA see financial returns in other industries. While there isn’t any hard data on the MIA’s influence, anecdotal accounts abound. For example, the Asian restaurant chain Lee Ann Chin owes some measure of success to the Asian collection at the MIA. The space also serves as a respite for many that need to recharge or relax.
Is that enough to warrant the cost? In tough times, people are looking for social programs, debt relief, and money for job training centers. Is supporting an organization that bought a complete suit of samurai armor the right course of action?
We spoke with Kaywin Feldman, Director of the MIA, about why its necessary to support public art even in tough times. We asked her if she might bring some of the art from the museum to give away as a door prize. She declined.
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