Hey there. Back yonder we began this blog to (a) lift the collective spirits of arts and culture colleagues when the virus that still shall not be named put us in lockdown, and (b) recognize all the amazing bold arts brands out there changing the world as the world is changing. We almost turned a corner and started talking about more “normal” things again, but we never really emerged; maybe we actually re-submerged. The quagmire of loss, confusion, irritation, and honest to God anger is as swampy as the Everglades where the pythons live. And we know about this, because as you all know, we dwell in Florida — the hot bed of hot mess.
Only one of our team was born and raised here. Two are transplants from Maryland and Montana. They both followed their parents here who were drawn down, down, down by the sun and lack of a state tax. And drinks in coconuts. Really, Florida is the melting pot within the melting pot. We’ve got all kinds here, which means our culture — and our art — is incredibly diverse and rich. It runs from the Greek sponge divers of the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum to the Miami City Ballet to the City of Fort Walton Beach Indian Temple Mound Museum, one of the finest collections of Southeastern Native American artifacts you’ll ever lay eyes on.
We also have culture wars here, played out in our politics and urban v. rural attitudes that captivate worldwide attention. We know the rest of you SMH at us but watch for the next news alert to throw out another “Florida man loses two toes to giant green iguana” story. We understand. It’s like reality TV. It makes you feel better about your own crazy stuff. We just ask you to judge us by our art, not our legislators.
Last thing today (don’t worry, we’ll never stop talking about Florida) and we’ll end this with a laugh because song lyrics are art too, amiright? A local school district superintendent didn’t make it two weeks before his first public apology. Now, the man’s had a lot to deal with on the virus that still shall not be named issue running rampant in the 10th largest district in the nation. He’s probably a little punchy. So, he pulled out a Warren Zevon line when questioned what our community could do to support him. Get this answer: “Send Lawyers, Guns and Money.” Props that he went there with Warren even if folks weren’t laughing. But if that doesn’t paint a portrait of Florida as colorful as the royal poincianas painted by our roadside heroes The Highwaymen, it’s gotta be close. Free us, don’t free us. We’re happy to entertain.
Below from The Highwaymen: Wheeler, Charles “Chico”, American, born 1946
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert and Flory Kahn in memory of Wolf and Tybe Kahn
LOOK WHO’S BOLD AF
AASLH/AMA is about to land in Little Rock, AK for its annual meeting next month. The American Association for State and Local History is a bedrock organization for museum professionals, assuring the leadership, support and resources needed to advance the field.
In its registration email recently, AASLH promised its participants a provocative experience in the historic city of Little Rock, but we were just as impressed with AASLH’s bold pre-con setting of other expectations:
“Let’s make plans to travel and convene safely. Let’s experience the history of Little Rock, and our nation, at the intersection of justice and injustice. Let’s challenge the status quo of our profession and get inspired with a renewed passion for telling all of America’s history. Let’s commit to a better understanding of the difficult but essential road to bring justice to history.”
Mic drop. Rearrange your calendars now to be there September 22 – 25.
READY. SET. REIMAGINE.
Is your brand mic-drop-worthy? Suitable for framing? Say hello@thedrmtm.com. Up on all the conversations and always ready to help you break through.
Let’s have a meeting on the beach,
Surale + Laura + Cheryl
Research + Messaging + Design
If you don’t want different, you don’t want DRMTM.