The Bulwark condemns decision to remove artwork while WTMJ defends it.
The Bulwark condemns decision to remove artwork while WTMJ defends it. Back to the full article.
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The whole affair is sad regarding this one-of-a-kind exhibit, but one thing has always been certain: Trying to hide from controversies and scandals as CEO Brooks tried to do initially always comes back to bite you. In this case, the story has gotten much more attention than it might have otherwise. And TMJ? Comparing this to grout in the bathroom? Really?
Public art appears to have less value to Brooks than his damaged public image. Why else would he refuse all requests for comments except that from reactionary mouthpiece, WTMJ. Brooks has yet to explain why he thought a public art installation approved by the Center’s board of directors could be destroyed without the board’s knowledge. Goes back to what Brooks values. He obviously does not value his board’s opinion. Time for Brooks to go.
Rewriting the WCD’s institutional history. Bypassing its bylaws.
Flouting state statutes for open records.
It’s all of a piece in eroding democracy and erasing collective culture and other public goods. As reported above, these are not minor things.
So glad Bruce took on WTMJ morning show. It reaches huge numbers in morning drive time. I listen for traffic, weather, Tauscher and I don’t mind too much of local reporting. BUT Vitrano and supporting cast are over their heads/out of their depth consistently on policy issues. And consistently lean right wing. They went into the Brooks interview with any serious background knowledge – just an agenda to attack “woke” or “politically correct.”
Brooks is an arrogant jerk and all they did was throw him softballs.
But they do real damage sometimes because of the size of their audience.
Jill Sebastian and Woodland Pattern stand tall against the removal of this public art. It is a beautiful piece which looks just right where it is. Keep the faith and negotiate hard to retain the works essence!