> >Perhaps not, but it is reinforcing a rather annoying dichotomous stereotype. >Why do we assume that artists cannot use or handle technology? Why do we >assume that technologists are not as aware of aesthetics as "artists"? I >have spent far more hours on the stage than behind it, and far more time in >a studio than behind a computer. It's interesting the way we seem unable to >accept that a person may be able to both do pliés AND handle a fresnel. Or >even be able to pronounce both. You're right, that is the stereotype, and I realise I fell into that trap a little, too, with my little diatribe. I don't think agreeing with you here at all obviates what I wrote about ghettoization, however, in fact it perhaps underlines it. There are loads of role models out there who are equally capable of doing both; > >However, I think perhaps the disinterest comes in part from this attitude on >the parts of participants. Even in "blended" programs such as UW-Madison's >IATech, you were assumed to be a dancer or a techie--and the few such as >A.J. Niehaus and myself who very STRONGLY identify themselves as both have >to constantly fight the labeling. I'm introduced as a "computer programmer" >to people, or worse. Jeff, you're right, absolutely. Education is failing us miserably when it comes toc combining skills - particularly in the US, I have to say. Multiskilling should now be the assumption rather than the exception. In this particular world, I think it will remain the exception, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't support and recognise those individuals who are capable of working in both 'worlds', and even not think of them as separate worlds. Stereotypes within the art world are incredibly hard to alter. I have been in a collaborative company for five years, and we, as individuals, are reasonably well known in the field. However, it seems that no one will recognise us as single entity, as the company, rather than as two separate 'creatives'. All too often, Jools is recognised as the artist, while I become 'just' the techie - in other situations, I'm seen as the artist, and she as 'just' the dancer, along to service my music. Rarely are we given equal recognition as a collaborative team. Ah well... r R i c h a r d P o v a l l Senior Fellow, RESCEN (Centre for Research into Creation in the Performing Arts), Middlesex University (in assoc. with the South Bank, London) ========================= Court Gate Cottage, Harbourneford, South Brent, Devon TQ10 9DT UK. Home/Studio: +44 (0)1364 72044 Fax: +44 (0)1364 72046