Domestic over Import?

As during most recessions, beer sales are up in 2008.  Through the end of 2008 sales were up 1.4%.  Those increases have been primarily among the U.S. brewers.  More expensive imports like Guinness aren't pacing with domestic stalwarts such as Bud.

We may see the same sort of trend among art museums this year and into 2010.  Many museums are considering, or are already, canceling the appearance of traveling shows, our equivalent of an "import", in favor of exhibitions from their internal "domestic" collections.

The Denver Art Museum just announced they are canceling a small traveling show from the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin.  An article in the New York Times looks at how the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Newark Museum and the Brooklyn Museum are all looking internally for new shows as well.  Like the rest of us they are trying to generate visitors in a tight budget year  and the smaller expense of conducting these shows is being looked at very favorably.

Yes, the economy is forcing us into some hard choices.  But in this instance I think we are benefitting from these decisions.  In addition to the financial relief "domestic" exhibitions will provide short term, it should also mean that some amazing collections are seeing the light of day again after years of being tucked away from the public.  That's an idea I can raise a glass to.