Comment from this thread:
I agree that it is good for an organization to be transparent, inclusive, and in with the best intentions for the community. It is also good for bloggers to be FACT finders instead of hunting for loose accusations without backing them up.
#1. I know that WP VAC is a part of the Ă‚Â American Alliance of Museums, and that both take critical concern in the deaccession and accession of collections. Under the AAM code of ethics and guidelines, deaccession is NOT a light matter and would come under scrutiny of a board for how it happened and how the money was used to access new pieces.
#2. It is sad that being free is the best thing you can think of such an incredible cultural center. Have you researched the executive director, the board members and all they think and do for the community? The exhibit schedule and programming are always trying to include the entire community in some way.
#3. Sometimes turnover is a good thing. How do you think it is possible to get new ideas and input without new brains, education and experience?Again transparency is nice, but it should also be entirely up to employer if they think it is necessary or just a matter of mobility.
#4. All nonprofits must submit their form I990 to IRS and make it public. These can be accessed fromĂ‚Â Guidestar.com. Ă‚Â It is a common misunderstanding that the title “nonprofit” means that there can be no revenue or excess income. While the government gives easements, it does not give-out money without a lot of hard work. Many museums DO rely on their community to keep them afloat and some museums are extremely more costly. There is a constant struggle for survival and I am thankful that the WP VAC is so affordable!
#5. How do you think the WP VAC could better connect with all parts of the community? How do you think they could they engage all the diverse talents, desires, cultures, demographics? If you ran it, what would your priorities be and how would you solve the problems?
I am not trying to be abrasive, anti-transparency, anti-criticism. I am just trying to help solve a problem.
If you’d like to discuss it further, please feel free to email atĂ‚Â md923@drexel.edu
My response;
First, I want to apologize to you Meagan, you must be the lastest Pavilion intern/Rich Kid of a board member/artsy-fartsy idealist recruited to defend the Pavilion’s practices against the big bad evil blogger, Detroit Lewis. I say these words in the kindest of ways, truly I do. You will recover.
Remember, Nan Baker, long time VAC advocate and donor was the first to throw up the red flag about the VAC charging admission, not I. But I’m sure it is much easier poking me in the eye then it is her, especially if you have a checking account at her family’s bank.
So Let’s talk FACTS.
#1 I never said the Pavilion was using deaccession as a way to make money, I clearly said,
“It’s not always a ‘bad’ thing. But if an institution like WP is using deaccession as a way to raise money for say the Great Hall or the Science Center, this should concern the public. I have not heard the Pavilion is doing this, but I wouldn’t put it past them.”
The Key word here is ‘IF’. All I am saying is that they are ‘On Notice’
#2, Have I researched the ED and BM’s. LOL. You realize I have put this institution under a microscope since it’s inception. Why? Because I want it to succeed. Do you think I worked for them, and donated to Art’s Night for several years because I wanted to see the WP and the VAC fail?! Give me a break!
“The exhibit schedule and programming are always trying to include the entire community in some way.”
I would agree, and by remaining FREE to the public, they can continue to do that. I have been to a vast array of art museums across the country, and have no problem paying an admission fee, in fact this weekend, I am visiting one of my favorites. And I think it is perfectly fine for the WP to charge for ‘bigger exhibits’ but we are certainly NOT the Denver Art Museum or the Institute in Mpls. The regional galleries at the VAC need to remain free, not just because it is the right thing to do, but it was a promise from the WP to do so when the public voted to approve the facility, something I voted YES on.
#3
“Sometimes turnover is a good thing.”
I would agree, the VP of Operations should have been terminated years ago.
The issue though is why does someone leave? The Development Director left under what circumstances? Do you know? I know that I have heard a lot of rumors, wouldn’t you think it would be in the WP’s best interest to tell us the ‘REAL’ reason why? It’s not like she was the janitor of the 4th floor restrooms. She was responsible for grants for the entire facility.
#4
“There is a constant struggle for survival and I am thankful that the WP VAC is so affordable!”
It is affordable because the WP has done successful fundraisers for the facility over the past 12 years! It’s FREE, how wonderful is that? Oh, I mean, it was free. Donors, including myself, have been adamant about this, the VAC must remain free of charge except for larger/unique exhibits. The WP has gone back on their promise. Period.
#5. “How do you think the WP VAC could better connect with all parts of the community? How do you think they could they engage all the diverse talents, desires, cultures, demographics? If you ran it, what would your priorities be and how would you solve the problems?”
What a great question. I have said from the beginning of the institution, you must find ways to engage the ‘entire’ community, not just those who already seek the arts, like you and me. By keeping the VAC FREE, the WP is doing that.
I remember when I had my individual exhibit at the VAC, I would go up there on Saturdays and listen to people comment about my art, I remember one Saturday an old farmer in coveralls (who would have NEVER paid an admission fee to the VAC) cracking a joke about one of my pieces. I had to run out of the gallery I was laughing so hard. Whether he knew it or not, he ‘GOT’ the piece. And that is what it is all about. The regular Joe is not going to seek out ‘ART’ especially if he has to pay for it, but if an opportunity presents itself, he may just engage. This isn’t about the ‘Specials’ this is about everyone, and if the WP only wants to cater to them, fine, stop taking my tax dollars and do what you want to, don’t give a shit. But as long as you are sucking on my tit, you must provide me a service. Tough Titty.
“I am not trying to be abrasive, anti-transparency, anti-criticism. I am just trying to help solve a problem.”
Well Meagan, that problem could be solved, but it would require a good ripping off of the bandaid, and alot of disinfectant.
l3wis 
