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Cindy Bernard and other artists are calling on friends of the Museum of Contemporary Art to show up tomorrow at 3 p.m. to hear an update on the financial crisis and read an artist's statement of support. Bernard posts on Facebook:
It’s our physical presence in the Museum that sends the clearest message to the staff at MOCA that they have our support in this time of crisis. It also acts as a reminder to the Board of Trustees that there is a vigilant public who cares about the integrity and autonomy of this world class Museum....We ask that everyone attending Sunday’s talk pay admission to MOCA as a gesture of support, even if you're a member or otherwise entitled to free admission. Please wear your MOCA sticker in a prominent location. Let's demonstrate our financial support for MOCA to the press!
A message from Lyn Winter, MOCA Director of Communications: "We are deeply appreciative of this outpouring of support for MOCA, and remain grateful and honored, by the continued, generous commitment of the artistic community."
Meanwhile, Tyler Green blogs at Modern Art Notes that Eli Broad's pledge of $30 million to save the museum is a "game-changer" that put a stop to talk of merging with LACMA or selling off art. Green says it also puts MOCA trustees on notice that if the museum fails it will be due to lack of leadership: "If trustees won't open their wallets, 'ask' them to resign effective immediately. Requiring MOCA's trustees to put up or shut up would separate the dedicated and the committed from the panicky."
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