Two weeks ago I was knee-deep in noodling out content for a local newspaper — February columns, local reviews and whatever else would amplify the local cultural scene.
But it all came to a screeching halt, felled by the invisible hand of media metrics, I was told. These they attach to a journalist’s body of work like a twitching phantom limb, prompting us all to forever grapple with low-hanging clicks. (So, yes, the writing, or digits in this case, was admittedly on the wall.)
Would the means justify the arts advocacy if I had slipped a few Kardashian references into my column? Would I up the rubbernecking if I leveled some quippy snark while sizing up a wobbly play? To squeeze my word count into increasingly rare column inches, should I go for the zippy and the glib when discussing the often fraught issues powering new art?
As Bartleby, the Scrivener, said in Herman Melville’s short story, “I would prefer not to.”
As it happened, the pending loss of my previous platform broke just as David Brooks unleashed a now-viral appeal in The New York Times. “How to Save a Sad, Lonely, Angry and Mean Society” is his stunning apologia for the agency of arts and culture, and how they can shore up an increasingly bracing, isolating world.
When did the arts become such an afterthought in humankind that a conservative commentator was driven to devote numerous paragraphs to their crucial role? I never imagined that he would be the cultural kick-in-the-pants I needed to dislodge myself from an epic pity party and power on.
But yes he did, and here I am.
The rest is Culture South, my new, free platform devoted to furthering the exchange on live performance, art exhibitions, concerts, books, architecture and more.
A housekeeping note: Many thanks to those who made pledges when they signed up. These payments have NOT been processed. Culture South is fully free.
I first want to get a lay of this curious new land and determine what makes the most sense for this platform and the community it gathers. Your support means more than you can know, but for now, I’m considering those lovely pledges as glorious votes of confidence, with no financial strings.
The end game is to highlight how the arts can come together to strengthen the fabric of community. It is based in Charleston, where I live, and will radiate out around the South as I do.
Consider Charleston artist Fletcher Williams III, who often reexamines the region with an eye on iconic objects like a white picket fence. He then renders them in striking new ways that mine the power of place—its longstanding divisions, its rough-hewn complexities, the elegant geometries of its everyday living.
Special props are also in order for my 10-year-old daughter Beatrice, who got me up and running on this platform with her keen grasp of instructional videos.
For the record, I don’t plan to give two hoots about metrics (though admittedly I am delighted that my swiftly swelling subscriber numbers are testament to the interest in this effort).
And I do hope that together we can leverage numbers to fill theater seats and gallery halls with collective, stirring moments and to move works of literature off shelves into aching hearts—in short, to fix the arts firmly in our day-to-day. My hope is that it’s grist for the mill at a dinner table, over a coffee, in a grocery store aisle.
To get to the meat of the art, I certainly won’t take pot shots— there’s plenty of undercutting on offer already. I’ll aim to glean meaning instead, the sort that builds our ever-fraying community.
At the same time, moving forward, I’ll politely suffer no fools.
I’ll also look to partner with cultural organizations, theaters, bookstores and more to regularly share special deals, discounts and more. (I already have a few that are game.)
I encourage you to share my posts and encourage others to subscribe. My aim right now is to maintain the momentum established over nearly a decade since returning to Charleston, and to see where it takes us.
Please also jump in with ideas and comments, suggestions or reflections. I’m new to this format, but dead set figuring out to fill this sudden cultural void. A writer’s life can be a solitary proposition; signs of life in an unexpected email have elevated many an afternoon.
So welcome to my new chapter, furthering my celebration of all that converges in Culture South. Onward and art-ward.
Images by Fletcher Williams III, courtesy of the artist
Always grateful for your thoughtful, respectful, in-depth reviews and commentary on the arts and culture of the Lowcountry. Your voice brings our community together, while at the same time breaks through the boundaries. We need you now more than ever. Keep up the great work and thank you!
Congratulations. I enjoy your articles in the Post and Courier. David Brooks article was brilliant and I have shared it with many friends. Thank you for contributing to the conversation.
Thanks, John O.! After finding Bartleby quite odd when I first encountered him, I now consider him a surprisingly kindred spirit! And mute this voice? I would prefer not to.
Yep, signed up! Don’t know a darned thing about you, but anyone committed to writing about the arts deserves a follow. Substack is a great place for all kinds of writing adventures. Hats off to you for jumping in the pond.
Hi Kathryn, A pleasure to virtually meet you -- and welcome to Cullture South! Having covered the arts locally for nearly a decade, I know the need is real for an accessible hub, and one that fosters exchange. I so appreciate your joining the effort!
Glad you’ll keep writing about the arts and culture in Charleston! There is so much to celebrate in this arena - local artists, local galleries owned by young entrepreneurs and showcasing local talent, talented local performers and venues other than the high-priced Galliard!
A community without culture and cultural offerings is not human nor does it thrive! Shame on the P&C but not surprised!
Thanks so much, Laura! I'm hoping this will be a hub of arts and culture at all levels, and agree with you wholeheartedly about the vital role of culture in a community. Onward and arts-ward!
I am very sorry to heat that you are no loner at the Post and Courier. I have l ways enjoyed your articles and also hearing you at last years literary festival I hope you read the editorial in the New York Times last Sunday by David Brooks. Basically he said that Art, music and literature can save our world as we know it and want it to. be. Looking forward to what you do next. Tom Slabaugh
Many thanks, Tom! Yes, the David Brooks piece was a watershed moment for arts advocates, and I agree wholeheartedly. I plan to keep up the same type of content here, and since there are now no Charleston papers running reviews with this development, I'm hoping to spark the exchange here. So appreciate your continued reading!
Always grateful for your thoughtful, respectful, in-depth reviews and commentary on the arts and culture of the Lowcountry. Your voice brings our community together, while at the same time breaks through the boundaries. We need you now more than ever. Keep up the great work and thank you!
Thanks so much, Virginia! Your words of encouragement power me on!
This is an exciting new chapter! Love the way you write
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Congrats on getting this started! Looking forward to reading more of your work! Also, thrilled to be returning to Charleston myself this spring!
Seriously? Best news ever!!! Join me at shows, please! So happy you're heading home.
Absolutely would love that!!!
Congratulations. I enjoy your articles in the Post and Courier. David Brooks article was brilliant and I have shared it with many friends. Thank you for contributing to the conversation.
Thanks so much, David! Yes, it was an astounding piece he wrote. Looking forward to keeping the conversation lively around these parts, too!
Thank God we will still hear your voice!!! Where else would I find a Bartleby the Scrivner reference?? Now I can finally kill my PC subscription.
Thanks, John O.! After finding Bartleby quite odd when I first encountered him, I now consider him a surprisingly kindred spirit! And mute this voice? I would prefer not to.
Yep, signed up! Don’t know a darned thing about you, but anyone committed to writing about the arts deserves a follow. Substack is a great place for all kinds of writing adventures. Hats off to you for jumping in the pond.
Hi Kathryn, A pleasure to virtually meet you -- and welcome to Cullture South! Having covered the arts locally for nearly a decade, I know the need is real for an accessible hub, and one that fosters exchange. I so appreciate your joining the effort!
Glad you’ll keep writing about the arts and culture in Charleston! There is so much to celebrate in this arena - local artists, local galleries owned by young entrepreneurs and showcasing local talent, talented local performers and venues other than the high-priced Galliard!
A community without culture and cultural offerings is not human nor does it thrive! Shame on the P&C but not surprised!
Thanks so much, Laura! I'm hoping this will be a hub of arts and culture at all levels, and agree with you wholeheartedly about the vital role of culture in a community. Onward and arts-ward!
So glad you'll continue to write about the arts! This is a great platform.
Thanks so much, Shoshanna. I'm excited about the potential of this for truly connecting the cultural community!
I am very sorry to heat that you are no loner at the Post and Courier. I have l ways enjoyed your articles and also hearing you at last years literary festival I hope you read the editorial in the New York Times last Sunday by David Brooks. Basically he said that Art, music and literature can save our world as we know it and want it to. be. Looking forward to what you do next. Tom Slabaugh
Many thanks, Tom! Yes, the David Brooks piece was a watershed moment for arts advocates, and I agree wholeheartedly. I plan to keep up the same type of content here, and since there are now no Charleston papers running reviews with this development, I'm hoping to spark the exchange here. So appreciate your continued reading!
A new chapter begins...we shall look forward to reading your work and keeping the arts alive.
Thanks, Elizabeth! Thanks for following--and helping to keep the arts alive, too!
Yay! Thanks so much, Sterling!