Is culture brokered like stocks; real estate; or marriage? In this engaging book; Richard Kurin shows that cultures are also mediated and indeed brokered by countries; organizations; communities; and individuals -- all with their own vision of the truth and varying abilities to impose it on others. Drawing on his diverse experiences in producing exhibitions and public programs; Kurin challenges culture brokers -- defined broadly to include museum professionals; film-makers; journalists; festival producers; and scholars of many disciplines -- to reveal more clearly the nature of their interpretations; to envision the ways in which their messages can "play" to different audiences; and to better understand the relationship between knowledge; art; politics; and entertainment. The book documents a variety of cases in which the Smithsonian has brokered culture for the American public: a planned exhibit on Jerusalem had to balance both Israeli and Palestinian agendas; debates over the 1996 Olympic Arts Festival presented differing visions of the American South; and the National Air and Space Museums controversial display of the Enola Gay prompted the Smithsonian to re-examine the role of national museums. Arguing that cultural exhibits reflect a series of decisions about representing someone; someplace; and something; Reflections of a Culture Broker discusses the ethical and technical problems faced by not only those who practice in a museum setting but also anyone charged with representing culture in a public forum.
#1713020 in eBooks 2014-08-13 2014-08-13File Name: B00MQTQYIK
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I love this quirky little bookBy Jill RandallI love this quirky little book. For professional modern dancers and graduate level students; this book offers questions and inspiration. I highly recommend adding it to the reading list for a graduate level choreography class.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Quirky but very well done!By Linda EricksonI did not know what to expect when I ordered this little gem on-line. I am presently working on a large piece of dance theater and I really found this book to be helpful and encouraging. Its unusual style added to the push to think more creatively. It gave me new found bravery!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Choreographers HandbookBy Melinda BuckwalterIf you dont know what to get the budding choreographer in your life; this might be the one. Its an inspiring book.
