The Muses Will Keep Blessing

Just yesterday, The New York Times published an article on how the recession has affected artists. Aptly titled "Tight Times Loosen Artists' Creativity," the article gathers a spectrum of reactions to the current economic crisis from artists who were already struggling and poor to begin with. While the arts have undeniably been suffering from decreasing patrons and funds, there is also an underlying sense of ilberation among artists as well. After all, if everyone has no money, then doesn't that equalize the playing field for everyone? As a voyeur of arts, I can't help but join in the perverse excitement that comes from a time of turmoil and conflict. Our institutions of creativity--museums, concert halls, theaters--may be suffering, but I still feel terribly optimistic for the state of arts in this country. Artists who want to tell their story will find a way to get it out, no matter what. People hungry for artistic truth will find a way to find it, no matter what. Artistic rapture--the chill down your spine, the goosebumps on your arms--have an uncanny way of existing in the unlikeliest of places. YouTube videos, blogs, spoken word, used books in used bookstores. Tiny hole-in-the-wall galleries, street art, Myspace music, tiny theaters crammed in the back alley of a busy street. As paradigms shatter and structures crumble, the heart will keep beating, and the muses will keep blessing. I look forward to seeing what new artistc truths emerge from this strange and turbulent time.