E70 - Arts Commentary and Criticism: The Canary in the Coal Mine

In this episode of the Short Fuse, host Elizabeth Howard and Editor-in-Chief and founder of the Arts Fuse, Bill Marx discuss the vital role arts commentary and criticism play in nurturing an open and democratic society. Bill Marx founded the Arts Fuse in 2007 as a reaction to the precipitous decline of commentary on the arts in newspapers, However the continual whittling down of independent arts coverage over the past three decades has been passed over in silence. The goal of the Arts Fuse is to treat the arts seriously, to write about them in the same way that other publications cover politics, sports, and business — with professionalism, thoughtfulness, and considerable attitude. The journal's motto, from Jonathan Swift, sums up our editorial stance: “Use the point of your pen … not the feather.”

The Arts Fuse is an on-line magazine designed to preserve the craft of professional arts criticism, while also looking for ways to explore new and innovative ways to evolve the cultural conversation and bring together critics, readers, and artists. Substantial criticism -- by sparking lively, contentious dialogue about the strengths, weaknesses, and contributions of the arts -- plays an indispensable role in the cultural ecology. Smaller, newer organizations are fostered by debate and evaluation. When they are ignored, as they are by the mainstream media, they fade away.

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The Short Fuse Podcast  hosted and produced by Elizabeth Howard, are conversations with artists, writers, musicians, and others who have a lens on contemporary thought and stir us to seek change. With their art, their music, their performances, and their vision they lead us through the social and environmental transformations sweeping across the globe.

“Artists are here to disturb the peace.” James Baldwin.

The Short Fuse is distributed through the Arts Fuse, a journal of arts criticism and commentary.

Alex Waters is the technical producer, audio editor and engineer for the Short Fuse Podcast. He is a music producer and a student at Berklee College of Music. He has written and produced music and edited for podcasts including The Faith and Chai Podcast and Con Confianza. He writes, produces and records music for independent artists, including The Living.  He lives in Brooklyn can can be reached at alexwatersmusic12@gmail.com with inquiries. 

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