Hats off to the Knight Foundation, for decades of community-based philanthropy in support of progressive 
journalism, media, and the arts. (Originating, I’m proud to say, from my very own home town.)
And particular heart-felt cheers for their ongoing project, Random Acts of Culture. It’s a recognition that our traditional model of culture, where art itself is a destination, has become endangered; and even worse—ignored. Random Acts of Culture doesn’t wait for you to buy your ticket and take your seat. It brings the event to you.
Is this just another incarnation of our definitive twenty-first century performance art, the Flash Mob? Or is it something more? As much as I adore the idea of flash-mobbing, I think there’s something a bit self-indulgent about it. At the risk of stereotyping the phenomenon, it feels a bit like a gaggle of art students, taking their rehearsals outdoors.
Random Acts, on the other hand, feels more like a gift. It’s a acknowledgement by the artist that you’re busy, and that you’re going about your life. The artist says, “That’s okay. I get that. But if you can take a little break, five or ten minutes, maybe, I’d like to show you something I think you might like….”
Random Acts of Culture probably won’t change the world. Probably won’t even change the arts. But I hope we can appreciate it for what it is: free, unexpected…and unexpectedly free expressions of joy. If one happens to break out near you, stop what you’re doing and enjoy it. Then do what you can to support the ideals behind it, even if that means creating a few random acts of culture of your own.
