Virtual
What's Happening With First Night?
RECEIVED Thu., Sept. 21, 2006
Dear Editor,
Along with many others who submitted proposals for this year's First Night event, I have been wondering what's going on with the organization since the deadline for notifying participants came and went. Thanks for shedding some light on the situation [“First Night Austin,” Arts, Sept. 15]. With no information on their Web site and, now, no director, many of us are left in limbo, hoping things will work out. However, without Ann Graham, who did such an excellent job last year (and for a decade in Boston), I wonder what the prospects are for First Night Austin's future. Why tamper with the formula of such a successful event? Money, and the lack thereof, is certainly a problem. But if this city is the artistic haven it believes itself to be, isn't there some civic benefit in supporting an event with such broad appeal? Plus, if we don't keep the artists busy, who knows what trouble they'll get into?
Good luck to both Ann Graham and to First Night Austin.
Along with many others who submitted proposals for this year's First Night event, I have been wondering what's going on with the organization since the deadline for notifying participants came and went. Thanks for shedding some light on the situation [“First Night Austin,” Arts, Sept. 15]. With no information on their Web site and, now, no director, many of us are left in limbo, hoping things will work out. However, without Ann Graham, who did such an excellent job last year (and for a decade in Boston), I wonder what the prospects are for First Night Austin's future. Why tamper with the formula of such a successful event? Money, and the lack thereof, is certainly a problem. But if this city is the artistic haven it believes itself to be, isn't there some civic benefit in supporting an event with such broad appeal? Plus, if we don't keep the artists busy, who knows what trouble they'll get into?
Good luck to both Ann Graham and to First Night Austin.
Connor Hopkins
