This is an incredible read. Thank you for taking the time to delve into both the financial reality and the ill-built system that led to the demise of this beloved yet broken institution. As a ‘99 alum, I so appreciate the time and insight you provided in this piece. I hope it gets picked up for broader release as it explains the myriad of cracks in UArts underpinnings that led to the collapse. I wish it weren’t so, indeed fond memories will be all that’s left in the end. And the indelible mark of a UArts education in so many that make and create.
Understood Thaddeus. You did have direct contact with the Art Alliance transaction. As you indicate, there was no real plan, not even a legit proposal for a plan. In the end the AA had a skeletal staff and served as an annex to the Rosenwald/Wolf Gallery on Broad St. This was not an institutional priority to say the least, and did not warrant the expenditure. It's just one of many examples, along with much of what you cite, that led to what and how it all played out.
Nicely done and well thought thru. This piece, along with your other four-parter on the Art Alliance, provides an astute analysis of the non-profit sector, what drives it and what its bleak future looks to be. The story of UArts is symptomatic of higher education and by no means unique. If we can't figure out where to go next, the ripple effect -- not merely in higher ed or the arts but throughout our political/social structure -- will be great. In fact, it won't be a ripple, it will be a tsunami!
If anyone is interested in thinking more about this, I recommend Will Bunch's recent book -- "After the Ivory Tower Falls." He puts this narrative in a broader context of politics and social conflict. I'll admit that I'm left with a deep pessimism.
Thanks Neil - Yes I agree higher ed is reshaping and a lot of it will go away. I'm more hopeful that there are and will be alternatives - higher ed has just gotten too heavy and expensive for it's own good. I also think there are things we can do to rethink the sector for better, but it will take time to move in that direction.
Thanks Mark! Interviews may factor in later down the road, but for the moment, these are just think pieces and not aspiring to anything close to journalistic standards. :) I'm not sure even any of the real reporters were able to get comment from him - everyone has clammed up.
Understood Thaddeus. You did have direct contact with the Art Alliance transaction. As you indicate, there was no real plan, not even a legit proposal for a plan. In the end the AA had a skeletal staff and served as an annex to the Rosenwald/Wolf Gallery on Broad St. This was not an institutional priority to say the least, and did not warrant the expenditure. It's just one of many examples, along with much of what you cite, that led to what and how it all played out.
Thank you for this well-thought-out analysis. It’s a welcome relief from the useless speculation.
This is an incredible read. Thank you for taking the time to delve into both the financial reality and the ill-built system that led to the demise of this beloved yet broken institution. As a ‘99 alum, I so appreciate the time and insight you provided in this piece. I hope it gets picked up for broader release as it explains the myriad of cracks in UArts underpinnings that led to the collapse. I wish it weren’t so, indeed fond memories will be all that’s left in the end. And the indelible mark of a UArts education in so many that make and create.
Understood Thaddeus. You did have direct contact with the Art Alliance transaction. As you indicate, there was no real plan, not even a legit proposal for a plan. In the end the AA had a skeletal staff and served as an annex to the Rosenwald/Wolf Gallery on Broad St. This was not an institutional priority to say the least, and did not warrant the expenditure. It's just one of many examples, along with much of what you cite, that led to what and how it all played out.
Nicely done and well thought thru. This piece, along with your other four-parter on the Art Alliance, provides an astute analysis of the non-profit sector, what drives it and what its bleak future looks to be. The story of UArts is symptomatic of higher education and by no means unique. If we can't figure out where to go next, the ripple effect -- not merely in higher ed or the arts but throughout our political/social structure -- will be great. In fact, it won't be a ripple, it will be a tsunami!
If anyone is interested in thinking more about this, I recommend Will Bunch's recent book -- "After the Ivory Tower Falls." He puts this narrative in a broader context of politics and social conflict. I'll admit that I'm left with a deep pessimism.
Thanks Neil - Yes I agree higher ed is reshaping and a lot of it will go away. I'm more hopeful that there are and will be alternatives - higher ed has just gotten too heavy and expensive for it's own good. I also think there are things we can do to rethink the sector for better, but it will take time to move in that direction.
All well considered. Gives an important long term overview. A first hand encounter with Yager would deepen the reporting even more.
Thanks Mark! Interviews may factor in later down the road, but for the moment, these are just think pieces and not aspiring to anything close to journalistic standards. :) I'm not sure even any of the real reporters were able to get comment from him - everyone has clammed up.
Understood Thaddeus. You did have direct contact with the Art Alliance transaction. As you indicate, there was no real plan, not even a legit proposal for a plan. In the end the AA had a skeletal staff and served as an annex to the Rosenwald/Wolf Gallery on Broad St. This was not an institutional priority to say the least, and did not warrant the expenditure. It's just one of many examples, along with much of what you cite, that led to what and how it all played out.