Predictions by AI for 2023
Last year, I predicted various events and outcomes based on my own experiences and conversations and readings. Those predictions, as they tend to do, varied wildly in their outcome.
We all understand that predictions and “best of” lists and ratings exist for conversation and debate. This year, however, I want artificial intelligence to create the debate.
Crystal Baller, Part 2
Unquestionably yes! Whether the Benin objects or the Parthenon Marbles (we do not call them “Elgin” after their plunderer anymore). Almost weekly we see more information about the repatriation of objects.
Know When to Say When
This week, pop artist Lizzo received a lot of attention for playing a 200-year-old crystal flute once owned by James Madison. The Library of Congress offered Lizzo the chance to play the flute when she arrived in Washington, D.C. for her performance. Classically trained Lizzo toured the collection prior to performing and later played the flute on stage to make history as the “first person to ever play the flute”. A team from the Library of Congress escorted the flute to the venue and directly into the pro’s deft hands on stage. It was historic, and it was fun.
Business Advice from Artists, Part 3: The Power of Myth
These anecdotes contain all of the elements outlined by Campbell and places these artists as the heroes. They have created a mythology around them and/or their works. For them, though, there is no (or little) pretense. This is them (magnified through the retelling of the stories) and it exemplifies their values. Companies and organized institutions, take note.
Business Advice from Artists, Part 1: Minimalism
“Normal” is not a Target
We manage collections of cultural patrimony (art included) in deep, inefficient ruts left by the ox carts of previous generations. At that time, it made certain sense, but all things must occasionally evolve away from gills and grow feet. Failure to evolve in general (but especially now), when the industry bleeds out funds to pandemic recovery, will only further pump the brakes on returning to “normalcy”. “Now” is “normal”.