west uptowner

operatic construction, originally uploaded by trevorsc.

I have been watching the construction of the new opera house at Queen and University for over a year. It absolutely floors me that so many millions are being poured into this project for the sake of a few big productions a year. After working on a project with six other artists for a week's run at the Rhubarb festival -- each of us earning a whopping $125, and very glad to get paid at all, thank you -- I can't understand the disconnect between our position as creators of performances and the small group of artists that can harness the millions to make the opera house pictured here. I'm not about to claim that we could do their jobs -- it takes experience with monster budget shows to make monster budget shows. And they are very good. But if half of their budget went to the Toronto Arts Council the Arts in Toronto would undergo a massive renaissance.

Okay that's all the wingeing for now.

Maybe I'm distracted by having to create a $8000 set for $4000.

Bea just got home. I'm avoiding work. I think we might take a walk into Little Chinatown for groceries. I am really only beginning to discover the neighbourhood I live in -- after 2 1/2 years. After that, maybe I'll actually get to know the neighbours.

# posted by trev @ 4:47 p.m.