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Hi, Crystal --
We're not a people with a single set of
financial resources: we're a bunch of disparate capitalists living in a
Democratic society! Let's not forget: this project was
completely, entirely funded by Christo and Jean-Claude -- they paid the entire
estimated $22 million out of pocket from sales of their art. Not a bit
from local, state or federal government -- aside from whatever ancillary costs
MIGHT have been provided. And: NYC is reaping a financial reward
FROM the increased tourism specifically drawn by this exhibit as has
been verified by tourism officials -- there are people coming to town
to see this art. And of course, we all realize that means a
small bit of increased revenue for restaurants, hotels, parking, etc -- and
therefore a small bit of increased tax revenue which one hopes actually WILL go
towards some underfunded school district. It's a private
project. With some public rewards. Should I stop
composing in my own voice, footing the bills for an orchestra -- completely
self-supporting though I am -- to put all my own money and time into
some sort of public works program? Or is there a bit of education
and worth to our society in my efforts? Should our society
force all artists to engage in some sort of pragmatic factorywork instead of
wasting their own time and money on artistic _expression_?
I'll admit I'm forwarding a specious argument
here, but perhaps some kid out there in the Bronx or Queens is indelibly
sparked by a walk through the park -- might that experience be worth a month
of uninspired edu-sitting in a classroom in need of repairs?
I'd like to think if the Martians looked down,
they'd think, 'Cool -- wish we had a Christo; we should do something like that
with our canals...'
Best,
Les
Les Marsden
Founding Music Director and Conductor, The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra Music and Mariposa? Ahhhhh, Paradise!!!
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