The curtain goes up with my first issue as editor of Arts+Culture Houston. As we like to say in the arts biz, it’s a work in progress.
Going strong in Dallas since 2009, A+C arrives in Houston as the new kid on the block. For the most part, I’m taking a watch and learn approach. We are still settling in. We are so lucky to live in a city rich with fantastic food, party and popular culture writing, never mind the numerous comprehensive calendars at our fingertips, so you won’t be finding any of that in these pages.
You will find, however, a healthy amount of space devoted to reviews (remember those?), along with a symphony of voices from seasoned arts writers, to artists and even scholars. There’s no one way to cover the arts. We are all about that.
October is one behemoth arts month. We head into the city’s second art fair with The Texas Contemporary Art Fair at George R. Brown, (the third, if you count DiverseWorks’ wacky “State Fair.”) Katia Zavistovski chats with Max Fishko about the “art” part of the Texas Contemporary Art Fair. Holly Beretto investigates the remarkable consistency of Rebecca Greene Udden’s direction at Main Street Theater.
It’s not too soon to get excited by the Cinema Arts Festival (CAF). Regina Scruggs chatted with CAF artistic director Richard Herskowitz on exactly what we should be excited about. What does a contemporary boutique dance company look like at ten? Marene Gustin, a Dominic Walsh Dance Theater watcher for a decade now, give us the scoop, along with a look at the plethora of early music action in Houston. “Donald Moffett: The Extravagant Vein” opens at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston this month; Joseph Campana brings us into Moffett’s world, while Nancy Zastudil examines John Sparagana’s zooming career trajectory.
I’m passionately interested in the lives of those who toil in the trenches and the specific nature of arts leadership, so enjoy our Cultural Warrior series, highlighting artistic and executive directors working to put art in our lives. This month we chatted with Spacetaker’s Jenni Rebecca Stephenson. One last thing, we are made of paper. I know, was it strange for me, too. Being of the green persuasion, I suggest turning the page to your favorite story and leaving it for the next culturally curious person to enjoy. House lights dimming to half, take a seat. Read on.
— NANCY WOZNY
Editor
