For Arts’ shakeup

On the heels of executive director Deborah Edward’s departure from For Arts’ Sake last week, some in the arts community speculated as to the fate of Mayor Kevin Johnson’s two-year-old initiative.

Multiple sources told SN&R that For Arts’ Sake—which was founded to highlight local arts organizations—ended up fostering some tension, in particular with the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.

“I think that is fair to say, although to be expected,” responded SMAC executive director Rhyena Halpern to such allegations. She added that there’s always going to be “symptoms” when you start out a new partnership.

SMAC, she said, has devoted “hundreds of hours” helping For Arts’ Sake and “will look forward to continue to do so,” with presumed new executive director Michelle Alexander.

The catch is that Alexander is also head of the Arts and Business Council of Sacramento, so her board will need to vote this Friday as to whether she can manage the mayor’s arts initiative out of ABC’s office.

If approved, Alexander says she’s looking forward to “highlighting the work of really good arts organizations in the region and give them resources to do that work.” And without any tension or stress, hopefully.