Racimo con Brio: Betcha That Painting We Win

By Victoria Racimo Thursday, February 04, 2010

A bet on the Super Bowl could be the “start of something new.”

Every second it’s either a new phone, a new phone plan, another app or gizmo that delivers, sends, takes us, connects us to one another by various modes of “transportation”. Here’s a new way to think about delivering art across the miles.

Instead of “A Tale of Two Cities," here’s a story that has the potential to become a formula for “a tale of seven continents.” The powers that be at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Indianapolis Museum of Art have reached an agreement in a high stakes art exchange based on the outcome of the Superbowl!

Both museums responded to a dare that the “losing city” loan out a work of art from its permanent collection to the victor. The Indianapolis musem director, (on behalf of the Colts) and NOMA director, (betting on the Saints), shaped the terms of the bet over email, blog posts and Twitter.

All this makes for entertaining, transparent, accessible dialogue between two institutions of high art. What an idea! Not only does the lent art work represent new marketing angles to tap, it becomes a “draw” at the losing city’s museum. If promoted well, it could become a must-see bringing out the curious. Also, tapping into those who may have never gone to the museum before – much like first-time opera or ballet goers.

What would the Muscarelle like to wager during the Tribe’s upcoming football season? (From their recent successful record, I imagine other cities would cower, assuming they’d lose.) What documents, letters, notebooks, manuscripts could be thrown into the mix as city upon city wagers their sports team with an exchange of art? I love it. The two worlds come together.

Museums that engage in popular culture via social media could enlarge and publicize  their art collections – expanding their reach. However, this new angle, bringing together sports and art, could help enliven the perception of art as also “entertainment,” a pastime not heretofore usually associated with art.

I’d be interested to know what you think. Make a wish list for me of our sports teams and their usual opponents. List what art from our community we should wager, won/lost. What would we want from the VCU Rams up in Richmond, from the VMFA? Oh boy, what about the Chrysler? Let’s go to NY and raid the Met. Fordham in the Bronx would qualify us.

BTW - Who will you be betting on next Sunday?

Two years ago, I caught Coyote Run for the first time – they’ve since been back, of course.

You can/MUST catch them in their high octane performance on February 12 and 13 at the Williamsburg Regional Library, part of the Dewey Decibel Concert Series.

I really love what Coyote Run has created. They‘ve enforced themselves as a New Celtic Alternative band. When I went, the audience got up on its feet, clapped to the music, even danced in the aisles. All of which is usual and expected. (Warning: Leave any shyness at home.) Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library and $8 for those under 16. They can be reserved by calling (757) 259-4070.

Next week, I’m writing about The College of William and Mary 2010 Film and Music Festival – also known as William and Mary’s Global Film Festival.

Victoria Racimo would love to hear from you. Email her at Victoria@wydaily.com.