Thursday, November 13, 2008

Taxing Botero

"Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero is being investigated on suspicion of tax evasion, Italian authorities said Tuesday.

Tax police in the northern town of Viareggio said they are investigating whether Botero, famous for works of plump figures, should have declared 7 million euros ($8.92 million) in earnings from 2003-2008.

They allege that Botero must pay taxes in Italy because his artworks are produced entirely by companies and foundries in the country that distribute them to galleries worldwide."
Read the AP story here.

Opportunity for Artists

Deadline: December 9, 2008.

Florida's Art in State Buildings Program announces a new public art project at the University of North Florida. The College of Education & Human Services has a budget of $40,000 and the art selection committee is open to commissioning site-specific work and/or purchasing existing artwork. Interested artists can view the new Call by going to the University of North Florida's Facilities Planning & Construction website and clicking on Art in State Buildings under Quick Links, and then Call to Artists: www.unf.edu/dept/facplan. For more information, contact the Project Administrator:

Linda Sciarratta
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224.

Call 904.620.281 or email lsciarra@unf.edu.

Viva Chile in Philly

Later today Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will make a proclamation naming this week in November the “Viva Chile in Philadelphia!” week for Philadelphia.

He will be joined by Chilean Ambassador Mariano Fernandez who will honor Hizzoner with the Orden de Bernardo O’Higgins, Grado Comendador, Chile’s highest commendation for non-Chilean citizens. The award, which is approved by the President of Chile, is the first such commendation from Chile a Philadelphia Mayor has ever received. Bernardo O'Higgins was the son of an Irish-born Spanish colonial administrator in Chile (figure that one out) and he rose from obscurity to become the Hero of the Wars of Independence from Spain. His father, Ambrosio O'Higgins, Marquis of Osorno, was a Spanish officer born in County Sligo in Ireland, who later became governor of Chile and later viceroy of Peru. Because Spanish government officials in the Americas were forbidden to marry locals, and Bernardo's mother was a Chilean creole, Chile's independence hero was born as an illegitimate son, and yet rose to lead the new nation's asskicking of Spanish rulers.

Philadelphia will then open its cultural arms to embrace Chilean culture as the city celebrates the sights, sounds and flavors of Chile in a series of events called Viva Chile in Philadelphia.

This set of events will offer performances of Chilean musicians, an exhibition of Chilean Art from the 1960s, a celebration of Chile’s gastronomy, tastings of Chilean wine, a film festival, seminars, talks and much more.

Events take place November 13-21, 2008 and details are here. Most events are free and open to the public.

Viva Chile everywhere!

New DC gallery

LUMAS has 14 galleries around the world and they represent over 120 contemporary photographers and classic estates. Their Grand Opening reception and "Foto Week DC Blowout" in their brand new 3500 square foot Georgetown space is Thursday, November 20, 2008 from6:00pm - 11:00pm.