Chris
Let me be the blunt realist.
Everyone at the meeting and I believe everyone at the Beck love Lakewood.
Fred Unger's job is to keep the Beck Center going. With or without Lakewood. If the Beck got a better offer from another city or in this case a developer It is his job to look at those offers. The man and the board has a duty to keep the Beck Center alive, plan it's future while preserving it's past, and keeping the Beck Center's employees paid.
Tom George's job is to serve the city of Lakewood, it's business and to keep us solvent.
Dr. Estrop's job is the same for Lakewood Schools.
Cox cable is to sell services.
That said I think all are trying to build off the best thing on the table for now. I would love to be the romantic and say differently but in the end, that is all it was.
That said, all three parties have come up with a great program that could work, and has the possibility of adding so much to the city. It will now be up to the city the residents of Lakewood and beyond to make it work.
The one thing we all know, the city cannot help much, and the schools have serious money to raise. So will the businesses and residents ante up?
The Lakewood Observer has pledged to do our share as long as tax dollars stay out of the project. While the city forged this relationship, the Lakewood Observer has as well forged a relationship. Yvette Hanzel and Fran Storch from Beck marketing and media has joined the Lakewood Observer's Observation Deck and started to work and post information to keep the city informed. We are revamping some of our stuff to help them get the word out on shows and fund raising.
But in the end, there is no set plan as of yet, and a lot of work to do. The Beck, the City, the schools and Cox Communications have laid a foundation the rest is up to how many shows the Trapps go to. How many paintings are you buying? If you cannot donate $1 million what can you give? $10? Time?
If no funding can be found....
.
Beck Center Stays... More at 10
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Jim O'Bryan
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Kenneth Warren
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Phil:
Your excellent report, with reference to Thomas Mulready’s complaint about no call-back to Cool Cleveland and the PD Tony Brown scoop on the Beck news raises an interesting side issue in today’s press conference, which was full of savvy new media entrepreneurs, alternative, professional and citizen journalists.
The terrain of media relations in Cleveland and Lakewood is clearly shifting. That was Mr. Mulready’s point. I am glad he made it. Whether it’s the Free Times or Cool Cleveland, the Lakewood Observer or the LO Deck, each platform serves a niche, with distinctive intelligence, rules of engagement and value sets. They are human extensions of arts, culture, community and enterprise that organizations and politicians can ignore only at the peril bred from disconnection and bad faith in the region's emergent and innovative civic spirit.
The broad swath of perspectives and conversations stitched from both on-line and hard copy sources is where the action of influence and opinion is.
The gold standard of the PD is yesterday’s paper. The critical mass of intelligence in the 21st century will not ripple through closed communication loops. Though such loops may be preferred by agents at odds with new media, insecure in their power or mistrustful of the dynamic, multiplexed, open source platforms required for the complex arts and communications education envisioned this morning.
Mr. Mulready issued a wake-up call. Everyone is a propaganda agent and self-promoter, spinning to win at some level of wired engagement. He was on time in my book. He works hard for arts and culture, and I thought he deserved to put up his dukes of indignation.
Kenneth Warren
Your excellent report, with reference to Thomas Mulready’s complaint about no call-back to Cool Cleveland and the PD Tony Brown scoop on the Beck news raises an interesting side issue in today’s press conference, which was full of savvy new media entrepreneurs, alternative, professional and citizen journalists.
The terrain of media relations in Cleveland and Lakewood is clearly shifting. That was Mr. Mulready’s point. I am glad he made it. Whether it’s the Free Times or Cool Cleveland, the Lakewood Observer or the LO Deck, each platform serves a niche, with distinctive intelligence, rules of engagement and value sets. They are human extensions of arts, culture, community and enterprise that organizations and politicians can ignore only at the peril bred from disconnection and bad faith in the region's emergent and innovative civic spirit.
The broad swath of perspectives and conversations stitched from both on-line and hard copy sources is where the action of influence and opinion is.
The gold standard of the PD is yesterday’s paper. The critical mass of intelligence in the 21st century will not ripple through closed communication loops. Though such loops may be preferred by agents at odds with new media, insecure in their power or mistrustful of the dynamic, multiplexed, open source platforms required for the complex arts and communications education envisioned this morning.
Mr. Mulready issued a wake-up call. Everyone is a propaganda agent and self-promoter, spinning to win at some level of wired engagement. He was on time in my book. He works hard for arts and culture, and I thought he deserved to put up his dukes of indignation.
Kenneth Warren
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Ivor Karabatkovic
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Jim,
could you ask Dr.Estrop why the arts department at LHS isn't allowed to have a fundraising art show for a already low-funded program?
It's funny there was a great debate about Issue 18 and funding the arts on the ballot issue section and a lot of people liked the idea of funding the arts (although the way to fund them isn't the best way), but no one really does it.
What I've noticed as a photographer is that the Arts always get swept under the cover. Most great artists come from nothing anyway, but if you don't give teachers the material they need to teach then how can the artists learn to paint?
I spend 3 of my 5 periods that I'm in school in the art wing, all I hear is bickering about how much funding they don't get...and now they want to make a new academy and put the original teachers jobs at risk? My belief is fix the program you have now, and then add other programs to it and expand.
If the foundation of a building fails..... then...
could you ask Dr.Estrop why the arts department at LHS isn't allowed to have a fundraising art show for a already low-funded program?
It's funny there was a great debate about Issue 18 and funding the arts on the ballot issue section and a lot of people liked the idea of funding the arts (although the way to fund them isn't the best way), but no one really does it.
What I've noticed as a photographer is that the Arts always get swept under the cover. Most great artists come from nothing anyway, but if you don't give teachers the material they need to teach then how can the artists learn to paint?
I spend 3 of my 5 periods that I'm in school in the art wing, all I hear is bickering about how much funding they don't get...and now they want to make a new academy and put the original teachers jobs at risk? My belief is fix the program you have now, and then add other programs to it and expand.
If the foundation of a building fails..... then...
"Hey Kiddo....this topic is much more important than your football photos, so deal with it." - Mike Deneen
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Ivor Karabatkovic
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2) The Academy of Arts and Communication. Finally, a serious look at the Arts as more than just something fun to do after school when everything else is done. This is serious business and a path for some to grow and make a career, not just a hobby.
Mr.Florian,
what about Lakewood City Schools?
or Lakewood High School, which this new academy impacts the most.
I really don't care about this issue, because I'll be out of that school come June- but the Arts program is praying for any kind of help and they're getting none.
I assume that there will be more teachers hired for this Academy, so that more classes are created....etc...
I'm all about choices, but when you're a 16 year old student who hates school work and wants a class to draw in, you'd select the more "fun" class than the traditional one.
Well it's the traditional one you would learn more in...because these teachers have been doing this and teaching for so long, and what happens when not enough students enroll into traditional (the classes available now) art classes? The teachers don't have students to teach, which means they won't have a job either.
Does this new academy put the teachers jobs on the line? Will it really be at no cost to the schools? I'm having a hard time believing all the things I'm reading about this... someone inform me.
"Hey Kiddo....this topic is much more important than your football photos, so deal with it." - Mike Deneen
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Phil Florian
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Yeah, Jim, I am sorry to pick on Pat but while I think the question was relevant, the lead up to it was not. It was almost like he wanted to put the Beck or anyone who would answer the question on the defensive. He was basically saying, "You are really lying to us. You always wanted to stay here but wanted to convince us otherwise." Which is maybe true, but again had little to do with the question he finally did ask.
I agree...everyone is cash-starved at this point but I think the team at the podium did a good job telling us that the point of this venture isn't to spend already dwindling dollars that already exist; it is about bring new monies to the city from a variety of other sources. That is good thinking. There is funding out there and it is high time we capitalize on it.
If I recall, this was this was the thinking behind the new buildings (and renovations). If you think about it, we are someday going to HAVE to rebuild, repair or replace these schools, some sooner than others. At the time we considered this, there was state money out there to assist with these projects right now that might not be there down the road. Do you wait until they are falling apart on top of the kids and have to pay for it all ourselves or do it now while there is money out there. Sure, we have to help with this but for every buck we pay into it, there is other money coming into the city to match (though I can't recall at what level).
This is even better. I think they have absolutely the right idea. Spread the costs of the new project to grants, donations, shared costs with 3 other cities and so on. Create a program that not only benefits the city but the region at large.
It was funny, Pat had the strongest critiques of the Beck's Board and the most pointed questions (when he wasn't waxing cinematic
) but he seemed fairly impressed by the end.
He said something to the effect of that one of the goals of the new theater is to REDUCE the amount of seating in the large and INCREASE in the smaller. He made the point that with all the partnerships, all the eyes on this project, maybe they CAN fill the larger space more consistently! It seemed like a very positive and hopeful end statement. Unless he was being facetious, but he didn't seem to be.
Granted, the discussion of seating has not a lot to do with general interest. The Beck could, if they wanted to, create plays that would pack in giant auditoriums. They could do shows like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Spamalot" all year 'round. But that isn't the type of theater, thank goodness. We already have that elsewhere.
This will be a great project to follow with scrutiny but also great hope. Lakewood is bustling right now with new construction, new projects and a feeling of growth. I can't wait to see where it goes.
I agree...everyone is cash-starved at this point but I think the team at the podium did a good job telling us that the point of this venture isn't to spend already dwindling dollars that already exist; it is about bring new monies to the city from a variety of other sources. That is good thinking. There is funding out there and it is high time we capitalize on it.
If I recall, this was this was the thinking behind the new buildings (and renovations). If you think about it, we are someday going to HAVE to rebuild, repair or replace these schools, some sooner than others. At the time we considered this, there was state money out there to assist with these projects right now that might not be there down the road. Do you wait until they are falling apart on top of the kids and have to pay for it all ourselves or do it now while there is money out there. Sure, we have to help with this but for every buck we pay into it, there is other money coming into the city to match (though I can't recall at what level).
This is even better. I think they have absolutely the right idea. Spread the costs of the new project to grants, donations, shared costs with 3 other cities and so on. Create a program that not only benefits the city but the region at large.
It was funny, Pat had the strongest critiques of the Beck's Board and the most pointed questions (when he wasn't waxing cinematic
) but he seemed fairly impressed by the end.
He said something to the effect of that one of the goals of the new theater is to REDUCE the amount of seating in the large and INCREASE in the smaller. He made the point that with all the partnerships, all the eyes on this project, maybe they CAN fill the larger space more consistently! It seemed like a very positive and hopeful end statement. Unless he was being facetious, but he didn't seem to be.
Granted, the discussion of seating has not a lot to do with general interest. The Beck could, if they wanted to, create plays that would pack in giant auditoriums. They could do shows like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Spamalot" all year 'round. But that isn't the type of theater, thank goodness. We already have that elsewhere.
This will be a great project to follow with scrutiny but also great hope. Lakewood is bustling right now with new construction, new projects and a feeling of growth. I can't wait to see where it goes.
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Phil Florian
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Ivor Karabatkovic wrote:2) The Academy of Arts and Communication. Finally, a serious look at the Arts as more than just something fun to do after school when everything else is done. This is serious business and a path for some to grow and make a career, not just a hobby.
Mr.Florian,
what about Lakewood City Schools?
or Lakewood High School, which this new academy impacts the most.
Beats me. Contrary to what Jim said, I was low man on the totem pole with no first, second or third hand knowledge. I know only what I saw today.
From what they described, I think this is an addition to an already existing vocational program that Dr. Estrop also oversees as Superintendent (West Shore School? Something like that?). I think this is less about art as a class and more about art as a career choice. Maybe it is the difference between taking a higher level math class in one program and taking a course on how to manage the budget of a small business. Both are math, but one is more applied and the other more theory and training.
I don't agree that "traditional" education is any better than the "fun" ones. I may not know what you mean, though. If you are learning how to read, do you think people learn to read better by reading dry text books or "how-to" manuals to run a vacuum cleaner or fun books that engage you as a reader? I would argue the latter, though it is "fun." If it means taking "cinema appreciation" instead of "AP English" then yes, I would agree that the latter is more important at this stage of the game. It depends what is being offered.
But I think "traditional" schooling has really failed this country because "traditional" is basically becoming "teach to pass proficiency tests" and not giving people the tools they need to live, work and play (and more general, just engage) in the community as adults. But that is a whole other discussion.
My thoughts are that by opening the Beck up more to the Lakewood City schools to use during the school day (and this was almost Dr. Estrop's exact words) I am wondering if this isn't a way to share resources between programs a bit. If an art class is working on a particular style or subject, why not mosey over the Beck center where they might have display of that style? Or maybe they have the materials to do clay this month but the school does not so they share? I don't know if it was that rudimentary but at the very least, there appears to be an openness sharing at some basic levels in addition to these larger picture issues. Who knows? Maybe Dr. Estrop will explain it to us on here or in an interview in the near future.
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Ivor Karabatkovic
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Bravo, Mr.Florian.
Can I nominate that post for post of the year?
very unbiased, yet convincing post I must say.
I guess this is just something we'll have to watch develop and see how it works. I shouldn't jump to conclusions before the shovel is dug into the dirt.
For the most part, Dr.Estrops decisions haven't been the most popular ones to make. A lot of people are unhappy with his decisions, but I have to admit none of them have come back to haunt the schools or the city (yet).
The dress code maybe, but we as a school and community end up benefiting from it somehow whether we like it or not. Most people just don't want to admit it.
I just hope some of my teachers don't lose their jobs, that's all. The teachers in place now are very hardworking and dedicated to the school, students, and art. It would be a shame to leave them out of this "absolutely wonderful" project that everyone's talking about when play a key role in making this work.
Can I nominate that post for post of the year?
very unbiased, yet convincing post I must say.
I guess this is just something we'll have to watch develop and see how it works. I shouldn't jump to conclusions before the shovel is dug into the dirt.
For the most part, Dr.Estrops decisions haven't been the most popular ones to make. A lot of people are unhappy with his decisions, but I have to admit none of them have come back to haunt the schools or the city (yet).
The dress code maybe, but we as a school and community end up benefiting from it somehow whether we like it or not. Most people just don't want to admit it.
I just hope some of my teachers don't lose their jobs, that's all. The teachers in place now are very hardworking and dedicated to the school, students, and art. It would be a shame to leave them out of this "absolutely wonderful" project that everyone's talking about when play a key role in making this work.
"Hey Kiddo....this topic is much more important than your football photos, so deal with it." - Mike Deneen
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Phil Florian
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Kenneth Warren wrote:Mr. Mulready issued a wake-up call. Everyone is a propaganda agent and self-promoter, spinning to win at some level of wired engagement. He was on time in my book. He works hard for arts and culture, and I thought he deserved to put up his dukes of indignation.
Good point. Excellent point. I really do hear what you are saying and I agree, Mr. Mulready is a huge asset to the region. It is so interesting in today's culture that the media has become the news. We have a lot of news out there about the alternative news sources, in particular the "blogosphere." But as we are seeing in Lakewood, we are way beyond simple 'blogs. How does one classify The Observervation Deck? The actual LO Paper? Cool Cleveland? I don't think they are 'blogs because that is so limiting.
Looking back on it and considering what you said, I readily concede that it was probably the right time and place because it was a kind of "ground zero" where things were new and patterns could be set for the future communications. I really agree that the Beck gave themselves headaches during this process with regards to communication and this new partnership means they can't hold their cards close to their chest because there are a lot of players at the table and I don't everyone playing it close. That means opening doors to discussion in as many venues as possible. So good point.
I guess I wonder about how the point could be made without the grandstanding, though? Without a doubt, Cool Cleveland and Thomas Mulready are considered one and the same. That can be good and bad. Good in that it keep the name out there as long as he is out there but if he disappears, what happens to Cool Cleveland? I guess what I am saying is, if we were to poll the audience of an average Beck production or a single class of students during a particular season, what percentage of people get their information from a) the PD, b) Cool Cleveland, c) LO or d) LakewoodBuzz? Are Cool Cleveland readers coming out in droves to support the arts? Or are we still getting money from, shall we say, more mature sources that don't have a handle on these new media?
So I don't disagree any more about Thomas' point or the venue he said it in. But when push comes to bucks, where do the investors, donors and patrons/audience members get most of their arts news? Tony Brown or Thomas Mulready? Shouldn't the Beck play to the strengths (albeit dwindling) of the stalwart or try to court the new media when, and I may be wrong, that generation of users hasn't come to the forefront of support for the arts as it is. I think a lot of effort has gone into developing younger audiences for the arts, theater in particular, but in most shows, the average age of audience members is significantly higher than that of a movie showing at the same time. Which is bad for local arts in the long run. Would engaging more these sources bring out the bucks from the younger folks? I am not saying "ignore" Thomas Mulready. As noted, Tony wasn't the only one privvy to today's announcement. A certain local editor gave us much the same thing that Tony Brown did hours early. I guess I am curious how do these other media sources earn the cred to get in the door on these things or "break the story" as the PD technically did?
Just some thoughts.
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Bill Call
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Beck
Chris Trapp wrote:Do you think that the Beck came to the realization that they weren't going to be able to cash-in in any other cities? Did they have a change of heart and take a broader look at the benefits that Lakewood could offer? Or was the general consensus wrong on what was motivating them from the beginning?
I hate to be the skunk at the picnic but what I see is this:
Bob Stark withdrew his offer.
All the partnerships and ideas mentioned as reasons for staying were available for years, even during the negotiating period Beck had with Stark.
When the Beck starts to build its satellite facilities it will come at the cost of the Lakewood center. Rather than kill the Lakewood center all at once they will slowly drain it of its vitality. If Playhouse Square started building satellite theaters in Westlake and Brecksville what would that say about its commitment to the downtown theater district?
How hard is it to develop the existing site of Beck? They couldn't even come up with a concept or an idea for its use at the meeting?
The Beck still loses money and is still poorly run. Subsidies from Issue 18 won't make a long term difference.
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Jim O'Bryan
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Bill
Rarely are you the skunk at the picnic. I can see 1,000 scenerios, and all of them cost Lakewood money. the easiest is, the Beck raises 3/4 of what they need. Lakewood has to make a choice. Matching grants, etc.
I am also not sure from sources that Stark withdrew anything. Last night I was talking with other Observers about the hundreds of nuainces that occured during the meeting. Little things that always causes me to wonder, and shows the substance of a person or group. Fred Unger always used the term "sites" When you take away Mayor Tom George, and the introductions Dr. Estrop and Fred Unger tended to use the word Westlake an awful lot of times for a meeting about Lakewood. And then the answer to Pat's question that literaly blew my mind, to the point I cannot believe anyone would say that in public.
I also found it odd the Fred Unger called Westlake council and mayor a day before this meeting, when he did not call the mayor of Lakewood when they were leaving. What was said? Thanks for the offer? or Don't worry we are still committed?
Ivor
The Westshore Academy was responsible for the Graphic Arts class that saw members of the deck graduate from. I have to think it was one of the most successful programs ever at Lakewood High. The brought in a REAL Art director that taught kids the most important things about commercial art, deadlines, and dealing with problems and situations. I think 90% of the first class became pretty highly paid designers. Of course that program was shut down last year in cost cutting measures. This would be a high school program that allowed "high school graduates" to make six figures, was cut. It was insane.
If Dr. Estrop makes a lot of people mad, he is probably doing his job. He is not the kids friend or buddy. He is there to make tough decisions, and carry out the requests of the School Board.
Phil
Alternative media, the fondue of 2000s. While we scratch and fight for leverage and recognition it is The Beck, the Schools, City Halls and more that are the losers. Sun Papers has 334 subscribers in Lakewood, printing 5,000 papers, with no report of pick ups that I saw in the recent publishing of stats. The Plain Dealer's circulation has been falling at a record rate that has seen them layoff 500. 3,5,8 all see losses in their viewership while CoolCleveland.com is climbing and now over 20,000 I believe. The Lakewood Observer is getting a solid 12,000 papers in residents hands, some weeks as high as 16,000, this is with a pick-up rate of between 600 and 1,200. 2,000,000 hits, 644,000 page views and climbing. CoolCleveland.com and the Lakewood Observer has attracted attention not just from the area but around the USA. No knowledge of LakewoodBuzz's number I do not think they have ever been made public.
Meanwhile those that grew up with conventional media ideas, are missing the boat. This would be the death of orginazations like The Beck that should be reaching out to every source equally. When I broke the Beck moving story, the Beck's management called and said, it does nto matter who reads "Jim O'Bryan's little blog" which really shows how out of touch they are on this. The Observation Deck is closer to DL Meckes' little blog than mine. Though the truth is it is/has become Lakewood's very large blog. DL and her husband DH are two of the most dedicated people I know to raising money for the arts in the county. DH has/had a long history with the Beck that goes back to both of us there as our mothers dedicated time and muscle to the Lakewood Little Theater. the cost to work with the Observer or CoolCleveland $0. I did not see Tom eat any doughnuts either.
Finally in the Observer case it was the marketing department that saw the value of Lakewood's community theater working with Lakewood's award winning civic journalism project. Even in my most vocal days against the announcement of the Beck moving the Beck was promised a space to post news where no one would be able to do anything but read their releases, news, fund raising, etc. But egos got in the way, not common sense. The Beck is very lucky to have Yvette Hanzel and Fran Storch who never gave up on their commitment to work with this project.
Bill/Phil/Ivor/Others
In the end, these are the cards we were dealt. We must play them or fold. Myself I am willing to play until city money is thrown in. It would have been nice had the announcement been "We will never leave Lakewood" it was not. Or "We love Lakewood so much we have decided to give them back the property they gave to us in a show of good faith." it was not. Or "The Beck will never mention Crocker Park again" it was not.
In the end, the news was "Beck Center stays in Lakewood" which helps offset "Beck Center leaves for Crocker Park." Today we celebrate the Beck and now we have to work to show them why they should stay. As one person put it yesterday "Don't worry Jim, a lot can happen in 5 years." which was probably the most honest thing muttered yesterday.
FWIW
Rarely are you the skunk at the picnic. I can see 1,000 scenerios, and all of them cost Lakewood money. the easiest is, the Beck raises 3/4 of what they need. Lakewood has to make a choice. Matching grants, etc.
I am also not sure from sources that Stark withdrew anything. Last night I was talking with other Observers about the hundreds of nuainces that occured during the meeting. Little things that always causes me to wonder, and shows the substance of a person or group. Fred Unger always used the term "sites" When you take away Mayor Tom George, and the introductions Dr. Estrop and Fred Unger tended to use the word Westlake an awful lot of times for a meeting about Lakewood. And then the answer to Pat's question that literaly blew my mind, to the point I cannot believe anyone would say that in public.
I also found it odd the Fred Unger called Westlake council and mayor a day before this meeting, when he did not call the mayor of Lakewood when they were leaving. What was said? Thanks for the offer? or Don't worry we are still committed?
Ivor
The Westshore Academy was responsible for the Graphic Arts class that saw members of the deck graduate from. I have to think it was one of the most successful programs ever at Lakewood High. The brought in a REAL Art director that taught kids the most important things about commercial art, deadlines, and dealing with problems and situations. I think 90% of the first class became pretty highly paid designers. Of course that program was shut down last year in cost cutting measures. This would be a high school program that allowed "high school graduates" to make six figures, was cut. It was insane.
If Dr. Estrop makes a lot of people mad, he is probably doing his job. He is not the kids friend or buddy. He is there to make tough decisions, and carry out the requests of the School Board.
Phil
Alternative media, the fondue of 2000s. While we scratch and fight for leverage and recognition it is The Beck, the Schools, City Halls and more that are the losers. Sun Papers has 334 subscribers in Lakewood, printing 5,000 papers, with no report of pick ups that I saw in the recent publishing of stats. The Plain Dealer's circulation has been falling at a record rate that has seen them layoff 500. 3,5,8 all see losses in their viewership while CoolCleveland.com is climbing and now over 20,000 I believe. The Lakewood Observer is getting a solid 12,000 papers in residents hands, some weeks as high as 16,000, this is with a pick-up rate of between 600 and 1,200. 2,000,000 hits, 644,000 page views and climbing. CoolCleveland.com and the Lakewood Observer has attracted attention not just from the area but around the USA. No knowledge of LakewoodBuzz's number I do not think they have ever been made public.
Meanwhile those that grew up with conventional media ideas, are missing the boat. This would be the death of orginazations like The Beck that should be reaching out to every source equally. When I broke the Beck moving story, the Beck's management called and said, it does nto matter who reads "Jim O'Bryan's little blog" which really shows how out of touch they are on this. The Observation Deck is closer to DL Meckes' little blog than mine. Though the truth is it is/has become Lakewood's very large blog. DL and her husband DH are two of the most dedicated people I know to raising money for the arts in the county. DH has/had a long history with the Beck that goes back to both of us there as our mothers dedicated time and muscle to the Lakewood Little Theater. the cost to work with the Observer or CoolCleveland $0. I did not see Tom eat any doughnuts either.
Finally in the Observer case it was the marketing department that saw the value of Lakewood's community theater working with Lakewood's award winning civic journalism project. Even in my most vocal days against the announcement of the Beck moving the Beck was promised a space to post news where no one would be able to do anything but read their releases, news, fund raising, etc. But egos got in the way, not common sense. The Beck is very lucky to have Yvette Hanzel and Fran Storch who never gave up on their commitment to work with this project.
Bill/Phil/Ivor/Others
In the end, these are the cards we were dealt. We must play them or fold. Myself I am willing to play until city money is thrown in. It would have been nice had the announcement been "We will never leave Lakewood" it was not. Or "We love Lakewood so much we have decided to give them back the property they gave to us in a show of good faith." it was not. Or "The Beck will never mention Crocker Park again" it was not.
In the end, the news was "Beck Center stays in Lakewood" which helps offset "Beck Center leaves for Crocker Park." Today we celebrate the Beck and now we have to work to show them why they should stay. As one person put it yesterday "Don't worry Jim, a lot can happen in 5 years." which was probably the most honest thing muttered yesterday.
FWIW
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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Kenneth Warren
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:17 pm
Bill:
You're no skunk. This is no picnic. You make the excellent point about leakage and money, and the rush to the bottom in a post-industrial economy.
Stark is a developer, not a benefactor, at least in this instance. It's all about the capture of value, the art of the deal, getting the money out and leaving others holding the risk bag. Capitalism at its finest, with the patina of arts to create buzz, cultural cred and crowds of spectators to shop.
Westlake may be "upscale" but we are still talking West Side of Cleveland, the land of the short arms and long pockets, home of Kevin O'Brien culture thinkers. Even the Mayor of Westlake registered his automobiles out in the countryside to save a few bucks. So in a culture like Westlake - despite the the rippling of upscale wealth into McMansions - what could Stark expect to shake out. In Marxist terms how could the City of Westlake and the Beck set the grounds for the developer's primitive accumulation. If in fact Stark pulled out, I'd say he knows this much - or at least that there was not enough to allow the vision to forego Foundation cash strapped to a conscience that believes in the bleeder/feeder inner ring economy of Lakewood. Not enough new cash or capital was brought to the table to make a deal.
Lack of cash flow and lack of capitalized conditions for the primitive accumulations that lead developers to economic development scenarios mean that neither Stark nor Westlake is flying as high as Lakewood homies - myself included - might have imagined in anxious moments.
And so, undercapitalized and of necessity the Beck, Dr. E. and Mayor Tom come to the table and attempt to fly higher with their leveraged assets than Lakewood homies imagined. This is an alignment strategy that makes sense, that sets the plate to attract the outside resources needed to make something happen. There was risks, which Bill suggests. From a true sense of productive economy, one must fear the over-selling of the economic benefits of art and culture in a land where less and less is being produced.
But there is a practical side with Dr. E.'s West Shore shot that brings a bit of grit and roll up the sleeves working class job training that goes beond simple arts foo-foo. This can be a great platform for Lakewood and the region. But we must be clear-headed and realistic, qualities often in short supply when envisioning something new and innovative. Then the execution must be excellent.
Will the $20 million in capital amass for the mixed use arts anchor? We must do our best to position the assets, assess the risks and set the plate.
My hedge strategy on the software side of a knowledge/media/post industrial economy is a "creative" community currrency, which can be used to create exchange circuits that buffer the shocks of competititve dollars in flight or devaluation and soft land the collective labor blocks trying to hold onto a place of privilege built on the industrial furnace no longer aglow.
Kenneth Warren
You're no skunk. This is no picnic. You make the excellent point about leakage and money, and the rush to the bottom in a post-industrial economy.
Stark is a developer, not a benefactor, at least in this instance. It's all about the capture of value, the art of the deal, getting the money out and leaving others holding the risk bag. Capitalism at its finest, with the patina of arts to create buzz, cultural cred and crowds of spectators to shop.
Westlake may be "upscale" but we are still talking West Side of Cleveland, the land of the short arms and long pockets, home of Kevin O'Brien culture thinkers. Even the Mayor of Westlake registered his automobiles out in the countryside to save a few bucks. So in a culture like Westlake - despite the the rippling of upscale wealth into McMansions - what could Stark expect to shake out. In Marxist terms how could the City of Westlake and the Beck set the grounds for the developer's primitive accumulation. If in fact Stark pulled out, I'd say he knows this much - or at least that there was not enough to allow the vision to forego Foundation cash strapped to a conscience that believes in the bleeder/feeder inner ring economy of Lakewood. Not enough new cash or capital was brought to the table to make a deal.
Lack of cash flow and lack of capitalized conditions for the primitive accumulations that lead developers to economic development scenarios mean that neither Stark nor Westlake is flying as high as Lakewood homies - myself included - might have imagined in anxious moments.
And so, undercapitalized and of necessity the Beck, Dr. E. and Mayor Tom come to the table and attempt to fly higher with their leveraged assets than Lakewood homies imagined. This is an alignment strategy that makes sense, that sets the plate to attract the outside resources needed to make something happen. There was risks, which Bill suggests. From a true sense of productive economy, one must fear the over-selling of the economic benefits of art and culture in a land where less and less is being produced.
But there is a practical side with Dr. E.'s West Shore shot that brings a bit of grit and roll up the sleeves working class job training that goes beond simple arts foo-foo. This can be a great platform for Lakewood and the region. But we must be clear-headed and realistic, qualities often in short supply when envisioning something new and innovative. Then the execution must be excellent.
Will the $20 million in capital amass for the mixed use arts anchor? We must do our best to position the assets, assess the risks and set the plate.
My hedge strategy on the software side of a knowledge/media/post industrial economy is a "creative" community currrency, which can be used to create exchange circuits that buffer the shocks of competititve dollars in flight or devaluation and soft land the collective labor blocks trying to hold onto a place of privilege built on the industrial furnace no longer aglow.
Kenneth Warren
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dl meckes
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Lakewood
Arts Districts are a subject near and dear to my heart. Both DH & I volunteer with ArtSpace Cleveland, the premier technical advisor for artist live/work in Cleveland. We lobby this issue (for free) every chance we get.
Arts Districts involve thinking about developing appropriate zoning and design standards that allow for and encourage artists to live in the area and engage in arts-related activities.
This requires some consideration of zoning for (and definition of) artists studios and artist live-work space to allow for the production, display and sale of art and could add permissions for additional arts-related uses.
Of course, there is a very broad definition of the term "artist" and what I'm talking about here refers specifically to visual artists.
Covington Kentucky (http://www.covingtonarts.com/) describes their Arts District this way: A district designed to support artist's galleries, studios, upper floor living spaces, retail and entertainment. A designated district with a redevelopment plan designed to meet the living space needs of artists. A district that tells the story of Covington by promoting it's cultural resources.
Why is a designation important?
http://www.lincnet.net/LINCmatters/Arts ... tricts.htm
Multiple districts may be designated and, as it turns out, Lakewood has several ad hoc districts in place. Formalizing the designations helps with marketing and declares that this city is actively encouraging Arts related development. This translates into economic vitality and development.
Arts Districts involve thinking about developing appropriate zoning and design standards that allow for and encourage artists to live in the area and engage in arts-related activities.
This requires some consideration of zoning for (and definition of) artists studios and artist live-work space to allow for the production, display and sale of art and could add permissions for additional arts-related uses.
Of course, there is a very broad definition of the term "artist" and what I'm talking about here refers specifically to visual artists.
Covington Kentucky (http://www.covingtonarts.com/) describes their Arts District this way: A district designed to support artist's galleries, studios, upper floor living spaces, retail and entertainment. A designated district with a redevelopment plan designed to meet the living space needs of artists. A district that tells the story of Covington by promoting it's cultural resources.
Why is a designation important?
http://www.lincnet.net/LINCmatters/Arts ... tricts.htm
Multiple districts may be designated and, as it turns out, Lakewood has several ad hoc districts in place. Formalizing the designations helps with marketing and declares that this city is actively encouraging Arts related development. This translates into economic vitality and development.
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Phil Florian
- Posts: 538
- Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:24 pm
Bill,
I truly wonder if the Stark involvement has gone cold. I don't think it came up at the actual press conference yesterday but I think it might have been in Tony Brown's story yesterday. It basically implied that Beck might open branch or satellite Beck programs in cities other than Lakewood. I don't know how that would impact the current project or what it actually means. Is it programs run out of existing space in Westalke or Bay Village that simply bear the Beck name due to personnel involvement, such as a show produced by Beck at Clague Playhouse or a class on acting taught out of the high school? Or is it an actual brick and mortar build up in other communities? I am curious what this will actually mean, if anything beyond simply saying "they are open to the idea of the Beck Brand shared outside of Lakewood."
Jim,
Good points on numbers in terms of circulation and use of alternative media. Regina Brett noted that the PD is (desperately?) trying to figure out why people are dropping their paper and will be looking for ways to prevent the loss and maybe grow circulation back up again. Even at a low, they still have over a quarter of a million in circulation which is a significant share of the printed word in this region (nearly half a million on weekends). So even at a low, Cool Cleveland and LO combined don't equal 1/10th of what the PD shells out daily.
I really prefer discussing issues on the LO and listening to NPR for the news and browsing a variety of links to keep up on current news and I definitely think that more and more folks are doing this. But in terms of real dollars and cents of donors and patrons of the arts, I tend to think Tony Brown will have their ear more often than Thomas Mulready, sadly or not.
But this is a moot point, in terms of true exclusivity. While Thomas has a right to be upset about being shut out of the early news, Tony Brown was clearly not the only person in the media to know about this ahead of time. It either says something about the PD or something about the LO that that we readers of the Observer Deck had as much verified information prior to the meeting yesterday as Tony did. That is pretty cool stuff. In terms of efficiency, though, if you want the word to get out fast to the most people, give it to the PD. As you noted, if it is numbers only the PD clearly has a lot more of those.
I truly wonder if the Stark involvement has gone cold. I don't think it came up at the actual press conference yesterday but I think it might have been in Tony Brown's story yesterday. It basically implied that Beck might open branch or satellite Beck programs in cities other than Lakewood. I don't know how that would impact the current project or what it actually means. Is it programs run out of existing space in Westalke or Bay Village that simply bear the Beck name due to personnel involvement, such as a show produced by Beck at Clague Playhouse or a class on acting taught out of the high school? Or is it an actual brick and mortar build up in other communities? I am curious what this will actually mean, if anything beyond simply saying "they are open to the idea of the Beck Brand shared outside of Lakewood."
Jim,
Good points on numbers in terms of circulation and use of alternative media. Regina Brett noted that the PD is (desperately?) trying to figure out why people are dropping their paper and will be looking for ways to prevent the loss and maybe grow circulation back up again. Even at a low, they still have over a quarter of a million in circulation which is a significant share of the printed word in this region (nearly half a million on weekends). So even at a low, Cool Cleveland and LO combined don't equal 1/10th of what the PD shells out daily.
I really prefer discussing issues on the LO and listening to NPR for the news and browsing a variety of links to keep up on current news and I definitely think that more and more folks are doing this. But in terms of real dollars and cents of donors and patrons of the arts, I tend to think Tony Brown will have their ear more often than Thomas Mulready, sadly or not.
But this is a moot point, in terms of true exclusivity. While Thomas has a right to be upset about being shut out of the early news, Tony Brown was clearly not the only person in the media to know about this ahead of time. It either says something about the PD or something about the LO that that we readers of the Observer Deck had as much verified information prior to the meeting yesterday as Tony did. That is pretty cool stuff. In terms of efficiency, though, if you want the word to get out fast to the most people, give it to the PD. As you noted, if it is numbers only the PD clearly has a lot more of those.
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Phil Florian
- Posts: 538
- Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:24 pm
dl meckes wrote:Arts Districts are a subject near and dear to my heart. Both DH & I volunteer with ArtSpace Cleveland, the premier technical advisor for artist live/work in Cleveland. We lobby this issue (for free) every chance we get.
Arts Districts involve thinking about developing appropriate zoning and design standards that allow for and encourage artists to live in the area and engage in arts-related activities.
This requires some consideration of zoning for (and definition of) artists studios and artist live-work space to allow for the production, display and sale of art and could add permissions for additional arts-related uses.
Of course, there is a very broad definition of the term "artist" and what I'm talking about here refers specifically to visual artists.
Covington Kentucky (http://www.covingtonarts.com/) describes their Arts District this way: A district designed to support artist's galleries, studios, upper floor living spaces, retail and entertainment. A designated district with a redevelopment plan designed to meet the living space needs of artists. A district that tells the story of Covington by promoting it's cultural resources.
Why is a designation important?
http://www.lincnet.net/LINCmatters/Arts ... tricts.htm
Multiple districts may be designated and, as it turns out, Lakewood has several ad hoc districts in place. Formalizing the designations helps with marketing and declares that this city is actively encouraging Arts related development. This translates into economic vitality and development.
As someone who regrets not using Covington enough when I lived in Cincinnati, I must say it is a cool area and from what I last heard, growing very nicely. It is funny. Northern Kentucky in general took advantage and built off of Cincinnati's bumbling of use of space on their river front and in their potential art's districts (sound familiar?). So people will go to a game on the river and then simply pop over the bridge and enjoy everything else in Ky. Lakewood could learn a bit about that.
DL, all the redesignation and such of districts is a City responsibility and doesn't really cost anything, correct? I assume that this is the larger role for the City of Lakewood since they shouldn't be spending new money on this, right?
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Jim O'Bryan
- Posts: 14196
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm
- Location: Lakewood
- Contact:
Phil
While agree about the PD's circulation. the truth is their website has failed, and at times falls below LO hit rate. Could be one reason why they redesigned their website to mirror our approach. You might also be surprised who they are turning to to shore up their decline.
While Mulready has ever right to be upset, the truth is every group has favorites to work with. Only when it is a public institution does the problem get sticky. Recently the LO has had talks with a public group where the sanity of their actions were questioned. They saw it was their approach was wrong and took steps to even the playing field.
I cannot fault the Beck for working with a trusted friend and supporter to frame the issue. But I can question the sanity, especially when their usual channels have let them down in fund-raising, the one thing they must do.
NOW is the time the Beck needs every bit of help that is out there. To be honest I question the sanity of the Beck leaking it to the SunPapers on Monday to meet their deadline. The SunPapers have a paid subscription of 344 in Lakewood, their paper is written by outsiders. The Lakewood Observer is Lakewoodites working for Lakewood. At the same time SunPapers county wide have a much larger following, possibly.
One thing I have wondered during this is how the Beck has allowed themselves to be pigeon holed. The Beck is not The Lakewood Little Theater. They are a regional property, and should always represent themselves as such. The Observer philosophy. Proclaim it, take pride, and let the chips fall where they may.
This is why I never hated the Beck, I just hated the news release which was just foolish, and that they might turn to my cash strapped city for funds to build equity for Crocker Park. At no point was the quality of the Beck Center or their programs tarnished or belittled. They have become a jewel of Cuyahoga County. I just hope it is a jewel we can keep in our crown.
FWIW
.
While agree about the PD's circulation. the truth is their website has failed, and at times falls below LO hit rate. Could be one reason why they redesigned their website to mirror our approach. You might also be surprised who they are turning to to shore up their decline.
While Mulready has ever right to be upset, the truth is every group has favorites to work with. Only when it is a public institution does the problem get sticky. Recently the LO has had talks with a public group where the sanity of their actions were questioned. They saw it was their approach was wrong and took steps to even the playing field.
I cannot fault the Beck for working with a trusted friend and supporter to frame the issue. But I can question the sanity, especially when their usual channels have let them down in fund-raising, the one thing they must do.
NOW is the time the Beck needs every bit of help that is out there. To be honest I question the sanity of the Beck leaking it to the SunPapers on Monday to meet their deadline. The SunPapers have a paid subscription of 344 in Lakewood, their paper is written by outsiders. The Lakewood Observer is Lakewoodites working for Lakewood. At the same time SunPapers county wide have a much larger following, possibly.
One thing I have wondered during this is how the Beck has allowed themselves to be pigeon holed. The Beck is not The Lakewood Little Theater. They are a regional property, and should always represent themselves as such. The Observer philosophy. Proclaim it, take pride, and let the chips fall where they may.
This is why I never hated the Beck, I just hated the news release which was just foolish, and that they might turn to my cash strapped city for funds to build equity for Crocker Park. At no point was the quality of the Beck Center or their programs tarnished or belittled. They have become a jewel of Cuyahoga County. I just hope it is a jewel we can keep in our crown.
FWIW
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama