I tried hard to not make this blog post political. But, screw it, everything is political.
I’ve thought about how to address it without burning bridges, more for Terry than myself.
Then again, Terry didn’t commission me a blog post. In the name of fringe festivals and performance arts, I envisioned a couple of paragraphs written around a circus metaphor and clowns.
Yesterday, I was answering questions for an upcoming interview in an Azorean newspaper, most of them around my work and my experience as a travel writer. My mind wanders a lot when I write (to the point that it’s sometimes scary where it takes me) and I kept thinking what else could I do for art in the Azores. The purpose of having an independent online platform is that I’m the one calling the shots, so I can write about what I want when I want.
The circus metaphor and clowns approach was a bit too strong, so I ditched it.
However, I want to say this to the people who should be going out of their way to support culture.
Don’t blame the lack of support on budget restraints. And don’t justify your lack of interest in supporting something that is the government’s job to support. That’s a big load of BS. Where there is a will, there is a way.
While you’re all deciding who should be doing what, a whole Festival is happening.
Artists from Slovenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Austria, Belgium, New Zealand, USA were sharing their work with the locals.
Practically every day I was (and still am) receiving updates on what MiratecArts is doing.
I wholeheartedly wish for things to pick up the pace from now on because you are sitting on a cultural tourism gold mine. If my coverage helps the event to get the attention it deserves, my mission is accomplished.
The Azores are undeniably beautiful and unique, but there is more happening here than content cows grazing on emerald-green pastures, wild dolphins chasing tourist-filled boats, and traditional folklore dancing.