CultureWorks summit provides plenty of laughs, but no shared goal. by Don Harrison
Photo illustration by Jeffrey Bland
A group of people are gathered in a circle and asked to squeak like gnomes, perform James Brown impersonations and slap playing cards on their foreheads. A surrealist theater company? A Robin Williams impersonator convention? Nope. These are representatives from the Richmond arts community, mayor’s office, police department and news media. … and they’re bonding through comedy.
These handpicked residents have come downtown to CenterStage on a Saturday morning to participate in a two-hour session programmed by the ComedySportz organization. These 19 people will be exposed to the techniques of improvisational theater in order to better learn how to trust and cooperate with each other; to think like a group with a shared purpose.
And what a circle it is. Richmond Times-Dispatch Publisher Tom Silvestri is here, along with Mayor Dwight Jones’ press secretary (and the only African-American in attendance) Tammy Hawley. There are representatives from the city police and economic development office, along with two sleepy eyed Style Weekly writers (who are told that no onlookers are allowed; presence requires participation).
The downtown art galleries are represented by Quirk’s Katie Ukrop and Tom Robinson and his daughter, Amanda Robinson, from Gallery5. Lucy Meade from Venture Richmond is here. Author David Robbins, representing the Podium Foundation (and an ace class clown, it turns out) also joins in.
Nearly a quarter of the attendees represent the host venue, CenterStage, including board president Bob Mooney.
Today’s giddiness is sponsored by CultureWorks, a new arts advocacy group that has emerged from the ashes of the defunct Arts Council. Before anyone can think to question Cultureworks’ guest list, the session begins and ComedySportz’ teambuilding instructors (Dave Gau and Christine Walters) start the group off with a series of role-playing scenarios and quick-thinking games. ComedySportz’ Web site pitches the work this way: “Let us help you to create the team environment you want to work in, by playing improv games while learning the crucial skills of communication, acceptance and teamwork.”
In one game, members are each given a playing card, which they can’t look at. Instead, they hold it to their forehead so everyone else can see. The cards indicate social status — from the “ace” and royal family on down to the lowly deuces. The assignment? Deduce your place in the social order by talking with the others and gauging their reactions to you. And, yes, you can learn a lot about people through parlor games. For example, Silvestri is a 7 who believes that he’s an ace, while Mooney is an ace who believes he’s an 8.
Another exercise has members reacting to random statements with an impromptu “Yes, and …” response. This, we’re told, is the kind of answer that fosters coordination, cooperation and (maybe) communal laughter. Several folks, including this writer, have difficulty in this particular area.
What Bryan and his new CultureWorks co-chairman, Brooks Smith, obviously have in mind by planning this unusual meeting is healing. And who can blame them? With the city’s dysfunctional dealings with the grassroots arts community, CenterStage’s massive public subsidy and public relations problems, and the media’s not-always-positive coverage of an often contentious arts scene, it must have seemed like a good time for the CultureWorks folks to gather everyone in a circle and have a kumbaya moment.
And this writer came away a believer. … in improv comedy, that is. ComedySportz’ seminar is perfect for, say, a midsized company with a morale problem or a professional sports franchise on a losing streak. The glitch in this particular gathering of amateur comedians is that there’s no shared goal. Everyone assembled here has a different mission statement, most by design. Journalists, for one, aren’t in the business of just getting along — with competitors or subjects. It’s not our job to say, “Yes and …” to folks like Hawley or Meade (or Silvestri). It’s our job not to.
The downtown arts community? It’s already been getting along — see Curated Culture’s successful First Fridays. Those people just want the opportunity to keep getting along.
The City of Richmond is suddenly very eager to say “Yes and ...” City workers wouldn’t be a part of these Not-Ready-For-Lunchtime players if a higher-up didn’t think the harmony of the arts community was important stuff. But shouldn’t these folks be bonding through comedy with a larger cross-section of the city’s arts scene than this?
There’s no doubt that CenterStage is the party that most wants to generate good vibes here. It becomes evident when a special guest cameo appearance is made. CenterStage chairman Jim Ukrop arrives midway through and observes the group in its play circle, as if he is monitoring the progress of an unusual experiment. Why wasn’t he playing this game? And wasn’t there a rule about no onlookers, only participants?
Toward the end, the group of 19 is divided into separate teams that must play against each other — or do they? In this game, “Win as Much as You Can,” rules and objectives are made purposefully unclear, the boundaries of who wins are unspoken, and team members are forbidden to discuss strategy. In this mock game show, the smiles get a little forced and uncomfortable truths emerge.
Some among the circle, on all teams, recognize that there’s room for all on the game board and play accordingly. But some seem to be playing another game. Then Mooney cheats and gets away with it, Style reporter Chris Dovi follows suit in spite, and the whole thing breaks down into discussions about how big the pie is and the necessity of playing defense. The playacting is over as real life invades the playground. Nobody wins, but everyone gets a lovely parting gift bag for playing today’s game.
Of course race permeates everything in the 804, Fourth. So why doesn't Harrison attack the issue head on instead of writing cute-sy crap like this?
Monday, November 23, 2009 4:11:47 PM by Fourth Estate Fan
FanGuy: You write: "If Harrison wants to write a piece about race, have the balls to come out and write it. Don't write this snide garbage and pretend that it is clever or funny."
Race is a part of everything that goes on in this town, FanGuy. EVERYTHING. Did you ever wonder why it is that the baseball people never got a buy-in from the counties? Or, why the counties didn't step up to invest in the Performing Arts Center? Or the CDA? Or why we still have (essentially) segregated schools, the only difference being that we have gone from de jure to de facto segregation?
Seriously, FanGuy, how can you live in the 804 and not know this? What do "balls" have to do with the ability to do anything other than juggle?
Monday, November 23, 2009 1:40:36 PM by Scott Burger
You might take it on the neck and join all the other turkeys running around "impovisationally".
Are there any other cliched cliched metaphors we can use to describe Center Stage's lack of accountability and the overall downtown arts mess?
If not, I repeat:
Its time to show all the cards, and that means for Center Stage to come fully under FOIA as long as its getting public subsidy.
Monday, November 23, 2009 11:22:51 AM by Brooks
You have to start somewhere, and getting people to talk to one another in an improvisational gathering free from rancor seemed both healthy and wise.
Here's to taking a few on the chin for the glory of our arts and culture. May it flourish around and within us all.
Monday, November 23, 2009 8:23:25 AM by anonymous
The idea that Mr. Harrison holds a negative opinion of the arts couldn't be farther from the truth. It's obvious that the point of this article is to question the validity of the event, not those that participated.
If you've been through team building type of situations, you would ask the same questions. The activities of the day may be useful for a group that works together more often, as he poses, but not for such a disparate group such as these. It seems an odd use of time, odd group to gather, with a pointless outcome. Hard to believe that this is what the "new" Cultureworks is putting its time to.
It's also true that Jerry Samford, based on his picture, has a mustache. He may have been the only mustached person in attendance, but that didn't make the article.
The bottom line is, what does the race of attendees have to do with this article. If Harrison wants to write a piece about race, have the balls to come out and write it. Don't write this snide garbage and pretend that it is clever or funny.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:38:31 PM by Fourth Estate Fan
FG, et. al: My apologies. I bolloxed up that last comment. Mea culpa. It should read:
"The answer to your question concerning why Harrison chose to include the quote below is easy: THE TRUTH.
"And what a circle it is. Richmond Times-Dispatch Publisher Tom Silvestri is here, along with Mayor Dwight Jones’ press secretary (and the only African-American in attendance."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:32:59 PM by Fourth Estate Fan
FanGuy, The answer to your question concerning why Harrison chose to include the quote below is easy: THE TRUTH.
"And what a circle it is. Richmond Times-Dispatch Publisher Tom Silvestri is here, along with Mayor Dwight Jones’ press secretary (and the only African-American in attendance."what : "And what a circle it is. Richmond Times-Dispatch Publisher Tom Silvestri is here, along with Mayor Dwight Jones’ press secretary (and the only African-American in attendance."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:43:16 PM by Scott Burger
Angela, after reading your post, I think you are confusing private investment with corporate welfare.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_welfare
I am referring to the City of Richmond's investment of public tax dollars in Center Stage, which is a PRIVATE, corporately controlled affair.
If Center Stage was fully privately funded, I would not be concerned, but the fact is that its public investment is taking moeny and attention away from more important PUBLIC priorities. I am also very concerned that the City's public investment will never, ever be recouped and taxpayers will be forced to subsidize the Center Stage mess for decades to come (leaving our public schools in what sort of shape?)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:31:31 PM by Scott Burger
U.S. New & World Report calls Open High one of the best high schools in the country.
I keep pointing that out because despite the great program, the building still needs an elevator addition under federal ADA rules. Its a beautiful old building that could also be updated with solar panels like they are doing in other states. What's more important to the neigborhood and Richmond? An opera house subsidy or an elevator addition for Open High?
I think my editorial explains the corporate welfare issue pretty well. If you need me to elaborate, I am happy to. What is essentially comes down to is priorities. Citizens need to hold government accountable to first fullfill PUBLIC priorities that benefit the public. Center Stage is a PRIVATE entity, Open High is a PUBLIC one.
Fourth, tell me, what's the point of this in relation to the article?
"And what a circle it is. Richmond Times-Dispatch Publisher Tom Silvestri is here, along with Mayor Dwight Jones’ press secretary (and the only African-American in attendance."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:53:23 PM by Fourth Estate Fan
FanGuy, Seriously, what would you write as a "lede," i.e., your opening paragraph? "Improv" (in a sense) is a perfect metaphor for fly-by-the-seat of the other guy's pants mentality pervasive in the incestuous interactions between the business community, Richmond City government, Richmond Public Schools and the Arts community.
The problem with this? It hasn't ever been funny. As to your complaint about what Harrison said, I ask that you read the following (and forgive the length):
Cherry v Des Moines Leader, 1901 A homespun prarie vaudeville act, the Cherry Sisters were so abysmally bad they attracted audiences who enjoyed booing, hooting and throwing rotten vegetables at them. Still, they felt compelled to sue for libel when newspaper editor Billy Hamilton wrote:
'Effie is an old jade of 50 summers, Jessie a frisky filly of 40, and Addie, the flower of the family, a capering monstrosity of 35. Their long, skinny arms, equipped with talons at the extremities, swung mechanically, and soon were waved frantically at the suffering audience. The mouths of their rancid features opened like caverns and sounds like the wailings of damned souls issued therefrom. They pranced around the stage with a motion that suggested a cross between the danse du ventre [belly dancing] and a fox trot,strange creatures with painted faces and hideous mien. Effie is spavined, Addie is stringhalt, and Jessie, the only one who showed her stockings, has legs without calves, as classic in their outlines as the curves of a broom handle.'
Their lawsuit failed at the trial level, and the Cherry Sisters asked the Iowa Supreme Court for a finding of actual malice against Hamilton and the Des Moines Leader, which had republished his article. But the Court said:
"One who goes upon the stage to exhibit himself to the public, or who gives any kind of a performance to which the public is invited, may be freely criticised. ... The comments, however, must be based on truth, or on what in good faith and upon probable cause is believed to be true, and the matter must be pertinent to the conduct that is made the subject of criticism. Freedom of discussion is guaranteed by our fundamental law and a long line of judicial decisions.
[T]he editor of a newspaper has the right, if not the duty, of publishing, for the information of the public, fair and reasonable comments, however severe in terms, upon anything which is made by its owner a subject of public exhibition, as upon any other matter of public interest of privileged communications, for which no action will lie without proof of actual malice.
Surely, if one makes himself ridiculous in his public performances, he may be ridiculed by those whose duty or right it is to inform the public regarding the character of the performance. Mere exaggeration, or even gross exaggeration, does not of itself make the comment unfair.
It has been held no libel for one newspaper to say of another, "The most vulgar, ignorant, and scurrilous journal ever published in Great Britain."
A public performance may be discussed with the fullest freedom, and may be subject to hostile criticism and hostile animadversions, provided the writer does not do it as a means of promulgating slanderous and malicious accusations."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:47:33 PM by Angela Lehman
I know exactly what Scott posts, and most of the time I understand why, even if I don't agree with him entirely. I guess I could have just walked down the street to talk to him he's my neighbor. But where's the fun in that?
I see that he equates public financing with corporate welfare. Maybe I'd have more success in person fleshing out why and under what circumstances (if not all the time) he thinks that's true.
I'd also ask him about why he keeps pointing out that U.S. New & World Report calls Open High one of the best high schools in the country. I mean, c'mon, where's your skepticism about the methodlogy behind that?!
But here on line, I'll just say, Scott, that your most recent post didn't address the two questions I mentioned in my first paragraph below. But maybe that's a discussion too big for comment boxes anyway.
He and I do agree that any publicly funded project should be clear about how it's using those funds, and the related documents should be publicly available.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:48:27 PM by FanGuy
Angela, don't waste your time debating this issue with Scott. He posts some form of "stop corporate welfare", "white elephant", etc in just about every Richmond-related thread on the internet, regardless of whether it is relevant to the underlying article or thread. Apparently he thinks money for new schools, etc, grows on trees and is created out of thin area, and does not have to be generated by developing the tax base.
Just my observations.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:26:55 PM by Scott Burger
http://www.vagreenparty.org/richblog/?p18
Pssst…Want Better Schools, Parks, and Streets? End Downtown Corporate Welfare
written 05.25.08
Today’s Times Dispatch Business section had an article on Richmond tourism. It quoted the same ol’ city leadership (notably, Richmond Renaissance/Venture Richmond) with the same ol’ underlying message: we need to keep investing in downtown projects to bring in tourists. The problem is that they mean ‘investing’ with public taxpayer dollars in pet projects of ‘the business community’, and that even after more than $1 billion, downtown still has long way to go. Corporate welfare projects include the Sixth Street Marketplace (built with public money, then used public money to demolish), the super-sized Convention Center, the downtown arts center/Center Stage project, the Broad Street CDA…the list goes on. The Times Dispatch, which espouses a supposedly ultra-conservative anti-tax philosophy, is hypocritical when it comes to this corporate welfare. It regularly turns a blind eye to the corruption involved in these projects and continues to cheerlead them. For years now, the Richmond Greens and sites like SaveRichmond.com have been calling them out on their hypocrisy, but the corporate welfare still goes on, hiding behind things like ‘regional effort‘ (even though City residents have paid the most by far), and lingering in various forms. Recently, the Mayor and City Council have tried to slow down efforts to reform water and utility rates because large corporate entities became concerned that they would have to actually pay for what they use (while citizens pay among, if not the, highest minimum use rates in the country. Yet another Richmond Greens press release is forthcoming on this issue.) So what, counter-critics say, Broad Street is ‘turning a corner’. ‘We will eventually build a larger tax base’, they say. Tourism can be ‘eco-friendly’. The problem is that, even if these comments are remotely true, there are opportunity costs and judging from years of failed promises, there is no return of taxpayer money from downtown. The City of Richmond is more than downtown, more than Broad Street. While public money get diverted into these corporate welfare schemes, the City government fails to deliver needed maintenance on neighborhood streets, parks, and schools. In fact, the City is acting illegally by not properly funding ADA access to City public schools. Even with the Patrick Henry charter school initiative, parents are expected to fund-raise to pay for basic ADA improvements, never mind that there is no ETA on ADA for the rest of the 5th District schools. Think about that for a second. Oliver Hill’s legacy is an equal access to a public education, and yet Richmond leadership is deciding corporate welfare projects are more important. Tax base? The City’s population has fluctuated a bit, but overall residents’ taxes continue to skyrocket. The fact is that Richmond’s leadership’s priorities are way out of line, and this is leading to legal and moral crises, at a time when the City should be preparing for future challenges and concentrating on raising its next generation of leaders. Unfortunately, the corporate welfare scheming just does not stop. Recently, 2nd District Councilperson and President of City Council, Bill Pantele suggested that a plan to renovate and reopen the historical Hippodrone theater in Jackson Ward should receive a $600,000 ‘boost’ from the City coffers. No one is against seeing this theater coming back, and no one is against downtown renovation, especially with private money. But the corporate welfare and opportunity costs involved should give all Richmond citizens pause. The Richmond Greens call for an end to downtown corporate welfare, and demand attention for Richmond’s schools and neighborhoods on behalf of its citizens.
- - - - -
By the way, now there is talk of publc financing (i.e. corporate welfare) to build a new Coliseum.
Meanwhile, my historic, beautiful, neighborhood high school, Open High, part of Grace Arents' legacy, and, according to U.S. News and World Report, one of the best high schools in the country (!), is not getting the money and support for a needed elevator addition to bring it up to federal standards.
I repeat:
Its time to show all the cards, and that means, at the very least, for Center Stage to come fully under FOIA as long as its getting public subsidy.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:51:26 AM by FanGuy
Fourth, well, for starters, I would not include so many snide comments and take such obvious cheap shots
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:35:55 AM by Angela Lehman
Scott, I think you've articulated some excellent points, and I'd be surprised if Mr. Samford would disagree with your vision for improved infrastructure. (I think he was focused on the arts aspect, given the context of the article.) The big questions are whether these two visions must be mutually exclusiveeven given limited public resourcesand what role public funds play in supporting arts of any flavor.
Your remark about being "poisoned by corporate welfare" is confusing to me. What exacly is this "welfare," and how does it differ from the donations that corporations and their grant-making arms are free to give to whomever they chose, often through competitive application processes?
Certainly, large projects with well-known names connected to them are more likely to "win" funds. This is not necessarily fair, but I don't think calling the whole thing "poison" is the way to go. If Art6 gets a grant from, say, Genworth to run afterschool drawing and writing classes, has it been poisoned?
And Mr. Samford, I only read Don Harrison's blog sporadically, but I do remember that he insisted that downtown arts culture needs to thrive. The aim of his "negativity" was not at the arts, even the arts contained within what's now CenterStage, but at the misleading, even deceitful, dealings of some of leadership of the project.
The ways of achieving this shared vision are what's up for disagreement. I think Mr. Harrison did and still does question whether the wealthy, well-connected members of the broader arts community are imposing their ideas of how to achieve a thriving downtown (arts and all) on the smaller members. I can't say if they are, and I'm not willing to take Mr. Harrison's word for it if he says they are, but somebody's got to keep asking that question. As I understand it, that's the point of this article.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:15:38 AM by Fourth Estate Fan
FanGuy, I respectfully disagree, but for the sake of a reasoned discussion, suppose you were the reporter sent to cover this event. What would you have said?
Fourth, I thought it was lame, not to mention poorly written.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:44:58 AM by I don't trust Centerstage
Mr. Samford is a sweet guy but he is married to a Markel who own a huge chunk of First Market Bank. I wonder if Mr. Samford has been allowed into the Ukrops Investment Club? It a small club and members pepper the Centerstage board. He/they own property directly across from Centerstage. Think about it folks: these are real estate development deals not arts impresarios looking to watch a mime on the sidewalk before the ballet.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:10:19 AM by Scott Burger
My vision is for strong urban neighborhoods with good, renovated, and technologically updated schools that attract new families. My vision is of great parks, greenways, and mass transit that improve the quality of life for everyone. My vision is of a downtown that is COMPETITIVE and SELF-SUPPORTING, that is not poisoned by corporate welfare and has plenty of foot traffic with thriving small businesses. My vision is of an arts district that is independent and provocative, that does not rely on public subsidy or the whims of lawyers. My vision does not suffer from an obsession with Broad Street or a myopia that can only see one part of the City.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:00:09 AM by Fourth Estate Fan
FanGuy, You sound a tad bit humor-challenged this evening. Bad day? I thought Don Harrison did a terrific job with this story. Very funny. What a hoot!
Why again did Style hire this guy to write about the arts? Geez.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 5:59:47 PM by Jerry Samford
Scott - I don't know what your vision for downtown is. Mine involves a vibrant nightlife, with performance space, gallery space and people having a good time, more than one night a month. We've got a ways to go to get there. I'll continue to do what I can to help make that happen. I hope we share a similar vision.
Vibrant nightlife increased revenues for the city and a city we can all be proud of.
These comments are my personal comments and do not reflect the opinions of Troutman Sanders, LLP
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 4:43:52 PM by Scott Burger
Jerry Samford, do you share my vision as a citizen of inner city Richmond? Are you speaking for Troutman Sanders here?
While Center Stage plays games and now the Hippodrone collects its share of corporate welfare, our schools remain illegal under federal ADA law and the City budget goes bust.
Its time to show all the cards, and that means for Center Stage to come fully under FOIA as long as its getting public subsidy.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 2:19:44 PM by Jerry Samford
Funny thing.....I was one of the participants in the improv session, and I appreciated Don and Chris being present and participating in the fun. And, (this is one of those "yes-and" things Don refers to affirmation and addition not "yes-but" which may look like affirmation, but is then rejected), I would like to share an observation I made of what the shared vision of the gathering, and gathered was and is.
We all are members of the broader arts community - whether from the perspective of participant (gallery, theatre, museum), venue (CenterStage, City), reporter (Style, RTD), or other interested parties. Our shared vision is that the downtown arts culture needs to thrive. Unfortunately, while Don was running his nega-blog for many years, he never learned that lesson and unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have been tutored any since joining Style.
