FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2003
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This week on State of the Arts, we discuss the Bard of Avon. The Guthrie Theater's production of Othello is part of the National Endowment for the Arts' "Shakespeare in American Communities" project. Marianne Combs profiles the show and talks to a critic who says that the NEA shouldn't be funding Shakespeare. Then, NEA Chairman Dana Gioia joins us to explain why Shakespeare still matters. Chris Roberts profiles the new group Halloween Alaska and Dominic Papatola proposes a new initiative to save the arts. Film critic Colin Covert stops by to take your calls about what makes a good family film.

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Shakespeare in American Communities
The Guthrie Theater's production of Othello is part of the National Endowment for the Arts' "Shakespeare in American Communities" project. Marianne Combs profiles the show, interviews the actors who are thrilled to have a long-term gig and talks to a critic who says that the NEA shouldn't be funding Shakespeare.

Shakespeare Still Matters
NEA Chairman Dana Gioia joins Dominic and Marianne to explain why Shakespeare still matters. He says that the NEA is interested in funding quality theater and bringing the arts to rural America.

Halloween Alaska
Chris Roberts profiles the new group Halloween Alaska. Made up of members of local rock and jazz groups including 12 Rods and The Bad Plus, the band lists filmmaker David Lynch, actor Harry Dean Stanton and the smooth-singing 80s pop star Sade as some of its influences.

Family Movies
Why does Hollywood have such a hard time making movies that can entertain both kids and adults? We pose that question to Star Tribune film critic Colin Covert. Plus, we take your calls on what you think the magic ingredients are and what films your family enjoys.

Canada
Critic-at-large Dominic Papatola proposes a new initiative to save the arts - start reimporting from Canada.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2003
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On State of the Arts this week: public art, commissioning music, and frozen film! We'll be talking to Jack Becker of Forecast Public Artworks, about funding public art in time of tight government budgets. The second Arctic Film Festival takes place this weekend in Grand Marais. We'll find out what you need besides frozen tundra to make a good northern clime movie. Plus, we'll talk to some Minnesotans who've commissioned new music and then composer John Adams and Minnesota Orchestra concertmaster Jorja Fleezanis join us to discuss Adams' violin concerto. It's been a decade since Fleezanis premiered the work which she herself commissioned, and she'll play the piece again this weekend at Orchestra Hall.

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Minnesota is Awash in Public Art
From the statues on the mall in front of the state capitol, to memorials in small town parks. There are art benches, giant murals, and painted watertowers. Downtown Minneapolis even has artist-designed utility hole covers. Some folks love public art. Some simply hate it. We talk to Jack Becker of Forecast Public Arts and take your calls about what pieces you love or loathe and why.

Winterer's Gathering
This weekend the North House Folk School is hosting its annual Winterer's Gathering—a celebration of winter crafts and culture. The weekend also features an arctic film festival. Executive director of North House Folk School, Greg Wright joins us to talk about what makes a good frozen film.

Commission Club
Chris Roberts profiles the Commission Club, a group of Minnesotans devoted to funding the creation of new music. They are the only group of its kind in the country—perhaps in the world.

John Adams
Composer John Adams joins us by phone and Minnesota Orchestra Concertmaster Jorja Fleezanis stops by the studio to discuss Adams' Violin Concerto. Ten years ago, Fleezanis commissioned the piece from Adams and performed its world premiere. She's performing it this weekend with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Nutcrackers, Christmas revues, Ebenezer Scrooge
Critic-at-large Dominic Papatola spells out his dread of the holiday theater season.