we'll have a story in the other paper that addresses some of these criticisms

i hope your article doesn't tell these guys it was a complete waste of time. they might crack.

Don't pull any punches.
Tough love.

From what I gather these bands are supposed to be promoting the Mission statement of The Columbus Arts Council to wit:
"GCAC Mission is to stimulate and encourage the practice and appreciation of the arts among citizens of the greater Columbus area." Why and How else would one receive a grant from the Columbus Arts Council? If they are promoting themselves they shouldn't be receiving grants for that. And, I don't see how having a 'road trip to Austin Texas' paid for largely by a grant and the grant being used to avoid 'losing money' on that road trip is benefitting, stimulating, and/or encouraging appreciation of the arts among the citizens of the Greater Columbus area.(?) I shouldn't need to remind anyone but... the show was in Austin, TX.

Grants are also given for, "To provide funding for Columbus artists, and arts and cultural nonprofit organizations and enhance the city's cultural image." I suppose one could view this road trip to Austin TX as a possible contribution to this goal, but one has to wonder how individual bands promoting themselves in hopes of getting 'discovered' and to "avoid losing money," could be an enhancement to, "the city's cultural image." It may enhance someone's image but I don't see the city's cultural image being boosted by a group of musicians paying money to other musicians to play a gig.

Actually, I think the Arts Council should be offering a joint venture showcase with noted established acts who have come out of Columbus and offering them money to promote the city and its music scene. After all, established, accomplished touring artists from Columbus would be far more useful and beneficial in promoting, "the city's cultural image," than artists merely looking to avoid losing money and cleverly avoiding the field of competition that is SXSW. There are numerous ways of putting together a real showcase involving the Arts Council, local businesses, commerce, trade and the likes and truly promoting Columbus, Oh and all it has/thinks/hopes to offer in order to entice investment, tourism and true enhancement of the city's cultural image.

This, particular charade (endeavor), is hardly achieving or accomplishing anything remotely close to that.

All excellent points littledrummer...

Although, I'm not sure GCAC puts all that much thought into who they dole out their cash to other than if they are amongst the circle of friends of GCAC.

I mean, they doled out tens of thousands to Wonderland, and that produced exactly dick for Columbus since it's "inception"... other than salaries for a few douches.
Sorry, I meant "artists".
Sorry, I meant "creative class".

This feels like the same waste of cash and small town nepotism.

Now, using GCAC cash to showcase Cbus musical talent that is/has made at least a regional impact? That just makes too much sense.

If the goal is to promote "Columbus" then why not spend the money on a booth/presence at the trade show.

This is only loosely related, but amusing:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1248373633/1130428578?token=869e739e

I just remembered that I own a moped. I should drive it to and from work sometime.

Yes. Please. Don't make this a fluff piece.

wait... why weren't those bands in 'We Are Cbus'?
aren't they from cbus?

I like it when an internet thread of people against or defending an idea actually end up with someone giving a good solution.

Now Two Cow Garage is speaking for Columbus?

Fuck everything and everyone

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 822&type=3

123 pictures and it looks like maybe 2-3 people in the "audience" that weren't part of the bands... maybe.
Awkward.

Where was this scene? Because it wasn't in Columbus.

big enough to sell out staches and bernies.... 1700?

the Other Paper's Article

Adam Smith sums it up with one line:
“It was clear (“We Are Columbus”) had no context for how South by Southwest actually works,” Smith said.

Well…I don't think any activity is a "complete waste of time" if you can learn from it. They've figured out how to secure a venue & pull off the show. Now they just gotta figure out how to get people through the doors. You can't wait till you get down there to do that though. Hoping just to wrangle some street traffic is a tough strategy in that competitive an environment, especially on 6th.

Still, I'm a fan of flawed things that actually exist, rather than perfect scenarios that never get off the ground.

good article.

“We would have loved to have Two Cow, Lydia Loveless, Josh Krajcik,” he said. “But I don’t think it decreases the quality of our showcase in any way (that they weren’t involved).”
---whoa whoa whoa stop the clock... josh krajcik is part of the columbus scene???

and phantods... if it was a success in that you got to "do what you love" and you weren't expecting anything out of this trip, then what WAS the point????

kick ass vaca that was fully paid i think... how could you NOT "value the experience"...

Yup. Or at least he used to be.