Hasta La Ideas

Speaking of museums in these uncertain economic times, the Smithsonian‘s finances are back in the news once again. While having been in some tight spots over the last couple of years, namely the organization finding itself $2.5 billion in debt back in 2007, it seemed as though the hiring of G. Wayne Clough to lead the charge had started to make a difference. Between hiring and raise freezes and extended hours, it looked as though they might make it through these meager years relatively unscathed. But now a task force within the Obama administration, formed to research efforts to curb spending, are proposing that the Smithsonian
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9JE6POO0.htm”>receive less federal funds and move from being free to charging $7.50 per visitor, to make up the difference from the cut (the Washington City Paper takes this interesting look on how they got to that $7.50 figure). This is not the first time this idea has been raised, as the Smithsonian seems a popular target from time to time. And as it was in the past and is today, we ask, is this really the best idea? If we’re going to tolerate licensing deals with QVC and branded-furniture at department stores by a publicly-funded, legendary cultural institution, isn’t it the least we can do by keeping it free of charge? Better still, maybe just hold an annual employee shakedown, as the last one resulted in more than $12 million in stolen loot. Apologies in advance for that suggestion to any museum employees who happen to read this, but if you’ve been pocketing antiquities or wads of donated checks, now’s the time to fess up. Your country needs you.

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While just a few days ago we were saying that the possible comeback of the Minnesota Museum of American Art, which was one of the first large cultural organizations to close in the wake of the financial crisis, might be some sort of sign that the worst was over for museums and the rebuilding would commence shortly. Fortunately, we try never to speak in absolutes, as just this week another in a long series of museums has hit a particularly dire rough patch. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Asian Art Museumin that city has suddenly found itself in danger of declaring bankruptcy and possible closure as early as this week, should it not be able to work out a new deal with their bank to the tune of $120 million in loans. Though the museum has struggled for the past five years, hence the large borrowing, their lender’s decision to call in the debt so quickly has left them in a tight spot. Add to that a decrease in donors over the past couple of lean years and smaller attendance numbers and the situation seems all the more dire. The Chronicle reports that the museum will be meeting with city officials, as well as the lender, to see if a way out that doesn’t involve bankruptcy or closed doors can be found.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Cleverly defying my post from a few weeks ago about teaching students to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary way but have a deep mono-disciplianry skill set, Julius Tarng is wrapping up one of the most brilliant student projects I have ever seen. Julius is designing a phone, really designing it, from the branding, to the industrial design, to animating hero UI flows. This is a very ambitious project. If that wasn’t enough, he has opened up his process on the core77 discussion boards with 6 (six!) pages detailing every step along the way with lots of input from discussion forum regulars. It is amazing to see how Julius not only has the ability to execute all of the facets of the design, but also the capability to evaluate and incorporate the feedback to come back each week with a stronger design.

You might recognize Julius from our recent coverage of CMU’s proposal for a new IDSA website. I’m anxious to see how this project wraps up, and where young Julius ends up working when he graduates this coming Spring!

Check out his progress in the discussion forum and give him some feedback >> HERE

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The New York City Taxi, The San Francisco Trolly, The Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile…. every 60 years or so one of these iconic pieces of transportation is up for a re-design. This year it was time for the Routmaster, the archetypal red double-decker bus that cruises through London with amazing agility. Determined not to suffer the fate of the the classic NYC yellow Check cab, the city of London engaged a variety of UK coach builders to deliver design proposals in 2008 to improve on the classic Routmaster. The winning Wrightbus design was unveiled this week at the London Transport Museum. It pays homage to the classic while still looking forward… this handsome lad is quite asymmetrical.

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