WBFO and BRO: Louis Grachos on Rockin' at the Knox and More
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Albright-Knox Director Louis Grachos joined our weekly Buffalo Rising Roundtable with Mark Scott in WBFO's studio this week to discuss recent and upcoming activities at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
More often than not lately, the AKAG fits in our City tab almost as much as Art (and YUM!) as Grachos and his staff implement a wide range of events that fall under the canopy of community.
Fresh out of Music is Art, in which Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls was invited by Grachos to use the Knox as a venue for his displaced yearly music series, we discussed the upcoming Rockin' at the Knox event, featuring the B-52s. In keeping with the museum's contemporary side, the Bs will bring their fun and funky art-dance style to the Knox this Saturday, September 27th at 5PM--and there are still tickets available! (Click the B-52s banner to the left of this post to get there.)
Beyond these two musical events, Grachos discussed the AKAG's strategic plan in becoming a cultural gathering place where all forms of the arts can be experienced. Grachos also explained the Albright-Knox's ongoing role as collaborators in the community with already existing cultural entities.
Newell prompted Grachos to discuss the Albright's potential to grow into the neighborhood--plans which Grachos offered are in the very, very early planning stages. Grachos also explained that the AKAG will invite community input when the time comes, while making note of the fact that a project of this magnitude will be many years in the making.
Grachos conceded that the facility is very much in need of upgrades, but said that, "At the end of the day we have this phenomenal permanent collection," that makes the Albright an international destination.
Mark asked Grachos about bringing in big shows vs. celebrating the permanent collection. Grachos answered that he was very pleased with the way the gallery's curatorial team has managed to create shows that integrate museum art, utilizing parts of the permanent collection along with newer acquisitions.
Lastly, Grachos discussed the AKAG's Pollack and de Kooning pieces, on loan to shows in New York City (closed at The Jewish Museum September 21st) and St. Louis. He said it points out to a wider audience just how incredible the Knox acquisitions were from the 40s through the 70s. Not a bad piece of publicity for turning more eyes toward the treasures we hold here in Buffalo.
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platt4
Save years of delays and money on an AKAG expansion- drop any consideration of adding onto your existing facilities- nothing will ever be good enough. Focus on the leaked Buffalo River/DL&W option.
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PaulBuffalo
When I was younger, I understood that the Albright's collection contained about 14,000 items. The Albright's 2006/2007 annual report mentions about 6,500 items. Last week, during a visit, an Albright employee told me the collection stands at about 10,000 items. Has the actual collection grown or declined in the past decades and how big is the actual collection?
It's obvious that the Albright doesn't have the funds to bring in big shows anymore -- indeed, there are substantial yearly deficits -- so, does that mean that the various non-art events are not having the necessary impact to bring in new foot traffic, members and art patrons that will benefit the museum financially?
I'm glad that Mr. Grachos is looking for additional space on the museum's existing property. Have any studies been done to show whether an addition will be the impetus to spur attendance?
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EricOak
What a sour irony that Louis Grachos boasts about the Albright's "permanent" collection. There is no such thing at the Albright-Knox. Any item there can be sold -- even if the bylaws forbid this, the board simply changes them without the membership even knowing. People don't seem to see this--there is no permanent collection at the Albright-Knox.
Expansion should be years away--when the current management is hopefully in another city.
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allfit
EricOak -- It is time to move on.
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allfit
EricOak -- It is time to move on.
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STEEL
I think Zumthor is the only architect who would understand how to add on to these two masterpieces.
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Hoss
I think Grachos is doing a terrific job. His vision is one reason I renew my membership every year. He is looking forward. He is including, and engaging folks that might not ever make a visit to the AK a priority. Even if current foot traffic isn't booming (I don't know if it is, or isn't) he and the curatorial staff are paving the way for a long future of Albright Knox loving aficionados. The place has a worldwide reputation. A good one. By exposing it's forward thinking innards to a greater populace, he (they) are ensuring it's long term survival and relevance. Bravo. Now I will try to listen to the WBFO piece.
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davvid
A Peter Zumthor building in Buffalo would be mind blowing
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PaulBuffalo
When the project becomes financially viable, I hope that the Albright has a rigorous international design competition for the expansion. I'm counting on the Albright to construct a building that can reintroduce Buffalo to the world. No one else in the city seems daring enough to do so.
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EricOak
Paul, I hope so too, but the AK will need to rethink its whole culture for that to happen. I don't see much evidence of grand vision there... and I doubt Grachos will be here for any expansion.
Museums are in a rough place now, and especially this one. Until people start caring deeply for art that provokes sustained thought and contemplation, museums will keep depending on entertainment and stunts to get people in the doors...and then it's just a party. It can be fun, but it doesn't bring money in and it doesn't make people passionate for art. I just don't see this happening there. Wish I did.
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