EricOak -- It is time to move on.
What a sour irony that Louis Grachos boasts about the Albright's "permanent" collection. There is no such thing at the Albright-Knox. Any item there can be sold -- even if the bylaws forbid this, the board simply changes them without the membership even knowing. People don't seem to see this--there is no permanent collection at the Albright-Knox.
Expansion should be years away--when the current management is hopefully in another city.
Paul, I hope so too, but the AK will need to rethink its whole culture for that to happen. I don't see much evidence of grand vision there... and I doubt Grachos will be here for any expansion.
Museums are in a rough place now, and especially this one. Until people start caring deeply for art that provokes sustained thought and contemplation, museums will keep depending on entertainment and stunts to get people in the doors...and then it's just a party. It can be fun, but it doesn't bring money in and it doesn't make people passionate for art. I just don't see this happening there. Wish I did.
When I was younger, I understood that the Albright's collection contained about 14,000 items. The Albright's 2006/2007 annual report mentions about 6,500 items. Last week, during a visit, an Albright employee told me the collection stands at about 10,000 items. Has the actual collection grown or declined in the past decades and how big is the actual collection?
It's obvious that the Albright doesn't have the funds to bring in big shows anymore -- indeed, there are substantial yearly deficits -- so, does that mean that the various non-art events are not having the necessary impact to bring in new foot traffic, members and art patrons that will benefit the museum financially?
I'm glad that Mr. Grachos is looking for additional space on the museum's existing property. Have any studies been done to show whether an addition will be the impetus to spur attendance?
Save years of delays and money on an AKAG expansion- drop any consideration of adding onto your existing facilities- nothing will ever be good enough. Focus on the leaked Buffalo River/DL&W option.
When the project becomes financially viable, I hope that the Albright has a rigorous international design competition for the expansion. I'm counting on the Albright to construct a building that can reintroduce Buffalo to the world. No one else in the city seems daring enough to do so.
I think Zumthor is the only architect who would understand how to add on to these two masterpieces.
I think Grachos is doing a terrific job. His vision is one reason I renew my membership every year. He is looking forward. He is including, and engaging folks that might not ever make a visit to the AK a priority. Even if current foot traffic isn't booming (I don't know if it is, or isn't) he and the curatorial staff are paving the way for a long future of Albright Knox loving aficionados. The place has a worldwide reputation. A good one. By exposing it's forward thinking innards to a greater populace, he (they) are ensuring it's long term survival and relevance. Bravo. Now I will try to listen to the WBFO piece.
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