Political candidates are all over the state these days, grabbing photo ops wherever they can … except, it seems, at arts events.
Think about it: When was the last time you saw a candidate - local or national - posing in a theater, grip-and-greeting at a concert or holding a press conference in an art gallery?
Why does association with the arts cause so much fear among those running for office?
Is the concern about the “elitist” label keeping them away? Or are these politicians genuinely not interested?
Should we only expect to see a U.S. president in a theater seat during the annual Kennedy Center Honors telecast?
Your thoughts?
Think about it: When was the last time you saw a candidate - local or national - posing in a theater, grip-and-greeting at a concert or holding a press conference in an art gallery?
Why does association with the arts cause so much fear among those running for office?
Is the concern about the “elitist” label keeping them away? Or are these politicians genuinely not interested?
Should we only expect to see a U.S. president in a theater seat during the annual Kennedy Center Honors telecast?
Your thoughts?
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election, supporting a specific candidate. I have, however, been very disappointed
with supports of the arts in the elections. I have read a bit about Senator Obama's
interest in raising national arts funds, however I haven't seen anyone visit artists, of any sorts.
I do know locally, that Dr. Woody Myers (running for Congress) has been pretty active
visiting with musicians and artists. One of his cousins is a local artist, and I think
that has helped expose the truth about the Indianapolis arts scene, and helped
him realize how important it is to connect with us.
Thanks again for bringing this up, and perhaps it'll bring more attention to this!
If Hillary Clinton or John McCain visits a local bar or diner, that's all just good publicity for the owner - It's tough to politicize a cheesesteak.* Since art is regularly scrutinized, assaulted, and/or co-opted by those seeking to use it to make a political point, I can see why some arts purveyors might want to avoid tying thier organizations publicly to one of the candidates.
Keeping the candidates away from your theatre, gallery, or concert hall might just be good politics for everyone concerned.
*Yes, I'm aware of animal rights activism. That's not the point.
--Lou
sad.
Life is the greatest fairy tale Hans Christian Anderson