Hah, Michael Govan's kickback public engagement in LACMA's decision to suspend its film program surprised me, but not as much as seeing the museum basically organizing its own netroots opposition.
Now, barely ten days into the LACMA Film Program Deathwatch, The LA Times hears from a vacationing Govan that "potential donors have stepped up, interested in helping underwrite the series." the whole crisis starts to feel like a manufactured fundraising stunt.
The Times has all the pieces of the story, but can't seem to put them together.
Govan had the film program on a three-year sink-or-swim timeline, which runs out now. The museum president said continued funding of the film department has been "an issue" in budget discussions for seven years, which means the board has been interested enough to keep the department around, but that the status quo hasn't been sexy enough to attract dedicated funding.
By floating the idea of killing--sorry, "suspending"--the program, the museum is able to gauge the public's interest. On the off chance that no one cared, the tough budget decision would be that much easier to justify. Meanwhile, an outcry--the louder the better--would bring attention to the program, and would transform a mundane $5 million ask for operating funds into an exciting chance to save and expand a vital, beloved film program. The naming rights of which can be had for--how much would you like, Michael? "I'd love to see $10 million."
LACMA's Govan says donors step forward for film program [latimes]
Previously: On LACMA killing its film program to save it
