Bacon's Rebellion

Spontaneous Combustion

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by

James A. Bacon
in

by James A. Bacon

Richmond’s creative class is hot, hot, hot. Pioneering new ways to collaborate and inspire one another, commercial artists are becoming a driving economic force in the region.

Were it not for the “Euro” décor of polished metal and sleek furniture, the corporate culture of Rainmaker Studios would seem only one step removed from that of a college dormitory. Musicians leave electric guitars propped against the sofa. Take-out pizzas are delivered with the pepperonis arranged in four-letter words. Pranksters play bizarre music tracks — Iranian gangsta rap, or Harry Connick Jr.-style crooning of the Red Hot Chili Peppers — to phone callers stuck on hold. More.

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2 responses to “Spontaneous Combustion”

  1. Scott Avatar
    Scott

    You glossed over a lot of the controversy, just like the rest of the Richmond media. The Times Disgrace, Richmond.com, and the Richmond Free Press are not fully disclosing their ties to the VPAF at the same time they are running these glowing articles that sound like press releases.

    http://richmondcitywatch.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=121

    At least you mentioned there ARE critics. Hope to see more in the future.

  2. Scott Avatar
    Scott

    not eloquent, but from here:
    http://www.paulgoode.com/blog/index.php?p=176

    Arriving at work early today, I took the opportunity to attend a subcommittee hearing at the Virginia General Assembly building. Luckily, they discussed Senate Bill 1129 right away… giving me time to get back to work. You can read a slanted overview of the bill from Don Harrison on the RCW forums (the post includes an article from the Virginian Pilot, by Harry Minium AND Warren Fiske, a Hampton Roads newspaper).

    Sen. Lambert introduced Brad Armstrong, who requested that all in favor of the bill to stand. There were at least 50 people standing together as one big, professionally-dressed mass. Armstrong, who represents VaPAC (which is requesting $29.8 million in public funds) introduced 5 people with 90-second speeches.

    A representative from the Art Museum of Western Virginia (at $9.8 million, the 2nd highest funding request, not even half of VaPAC) began by stroking the committee’s ego and described the funding as economic development that pays for itself.

    John Sherman of Scott & Stringfellow mentioned that this cultural coalition would make Virginia the number one state in the country and described this bill as the “best and most disciplined”.

    A representative from the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center (wanting only a measly $1 million) expressed all the success his city has had in redeveloping their town center. He also gave his support to VaPAC and insisted that it would help Richmond become the crown jewel of the state… and be in time for the tourism of Jamestown 2007.

    Jim Dunn, from the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, rattled off some line being competitive in the global economy… and I thought he was talking about ECPI (technology school with cheesy television commercials) or something. Really, think of a different way of saying the same thing, please. Anyhow, he said that 2007 is looming, and it is time to get our house in order.

    A gentleman from the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library (looking for $7.1 million) spoke about all the other presidential libraries that he has personally worked on… a pretty impressive list. I think he is starting a presidential library franchise. His speech ended with something about how these centers will develop educated citizens… and educated citizens are better citizens and they vote.

    Armstrong came back and put the butter on top.

    In response, Sen. Chichester gave virtually the same response as in the Virginian Pilot article. He stated that he appreciated how all these people came to town and how they maintain these cultural centers and “that they do what they can do to attract visitors to Virginia”. He mentioned that since Virginia was in such financial turmoil last year, it does not seem reasonable to dive back into debt by placing the public’s money into unowned assets. They will pass on discussion and resume some talks by this Sunday.

    That’s that. Not cleverly put together, but regurgitation of notes taken.

    For more on this issue, check out

    http://www.SaveRichmond.com

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