California council says too much art is bad for tourism

[T_i_B]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;sessionid=AEHBRDWFG2I03QFIQMFSM54AVCBQ0JVC?xml=/news/2004/11/27/wcarmel27.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/11/27/ixworld.html&secureRefresh=true&_requestid=36030

Officials in the Californian resort of Carmel-by-the-Sea, famed for its European flavour and thriving art scene, are clamping down on what they claim is a threat to its prosperity and tourist appeal - its art galleries.

The city council has decided that Carmel has too many galleries. It has imposed an emergency ban on any new studios in the 100-year-old town on the Monterey peninsula.

With the number of galleries doubling in the past five years, the council fears that the glut is deterring tourists seeking leisure less high-brow than oil paintings and sculptures. It is also concerned that essential services for local residents are being squeezed out because of the high rents some galleries can afford, in some cases up to $14,000 a month.

Carmel, with its picture postcard views and £1 million homes, was founded by bohemian artists and writers from San Francisco. Traditionally quirky - Carmel has no house numbers or postal deliveries - the city has a history of idiosyncratic laws.

[SmokingJacket]

1. While they're at it, shut down those bookstores! n/t

[no_hypocrisy]

2. I would've expected this if Sono Bono were still alive.

He seemed to have a very antagonistic view of "high" culture. He vociferously objected to Congress giving an annual stipend to the National Endowment for the Arts and Public Broadcasting.

[davidinalameda]

3. how silly

why doesn't the council just impose rent control on commercial property? that seems just as good idea as banning new galleries

this will end up in court and the city will get their ass handed to them on a highly colorful platter

[jdots]

4. It is an eye sore,and alot of it not repukian enough

More golf stores and corporate chains selling slave made goods would be better for the tourist trade of farty old greed miesters.....Next thing you know ,there will be non caucasions and sex preverts on the cobble stone streets........