ArtPourri

Finalists Announced – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has announced the finalists of an experimental contest that aspires to bring together South Florida’s diverse community through the arts.  The 45 finalists of the Knight Arts Challenge rose above a field of more than 1,500 applicants. The winners, to be announced in the fall, stand to receive a total of $4 million in matching arts grants.  www.knightArts.org.

USPS News—“Check it out, Man!” - The Simpsons is currently in its 20^th year as a regularly scheduled half-hour series and the longest-running comedy in television history.  On May 7 the Postal Service will release The Simpsons stamps nationwide at a dedication ceremony at Fox Studios in Los Angeles.  Visit www.usps.com/simpsons to vote for your favorite Simpsons character—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa or Maggie—through May 14.

Conservation Award Given — The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are delighted to announce that Tony Rockwell, FAMSF paintings conservator, has been selected to receive the 2009 Sheldon and Caroline Keck Award.  This is given by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works to recognize individuals who have served the field of conservation in an outstanding manner.

Web Site Launched – The Indianapolis Museum of Art has launched www.ArtBabble.org, an online community created to showcase art-based video content. This groundbreaking new site allows visitors to explore works of art online as never before and incorporates cutting-edge technology

Architecture Prize Awarded – Peter Zumthor of Switzerland has been chosen as the 2009 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, recognized as the world’s highest honor in the field.  On May 29 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion will be bestowed on the 65-year old architect.

NEA News – The NEA has announced $19.8 million in one-time grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations to support the arts sector of the economy.  In July the NEA will announce a second category of grants, one-time direct grants to nonprofit arts organizations, which have seen declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.  www.nea.gov/news/news09/nea-announces-first-recovery-grants.html

Arts and Letters Award Winners Announced – The American Academy of Arts and Letters has announced the eight artists who will receive its 2009 awards in art.  The awards will be presented in NYC in May at the Academy’s annual Ceremonial.  The art prizes, totaling $57,500, honor both established and emerging artists. www.artsandletters.org.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 19 No. 7 — May 2009