One of those nights resulted in a video about Paul S. Flores’s play You’re Gonna Cry. A night of outstanding talent, theater and poetry I will not soon forget, hosted by the Red Poppy Art House (sidenote–Dan and I are in the video, talking with Flores, blink and you’ll miss us). Youth Speaks performed. There was an intense post-show discussion about gentrification and prejudice. It was a memorable night in which, despite the crowded-to-overflowing room, art provided a space to seek common ground.

I was reminded of this experience because now Mission Loc@l is not only everywhere in the Mission, they are on Facebook. I received an email from a friend, inviting me to become a fan, and saw yet another great arts video about the printmaking workshop at Mission Cultural Center.

Mission Loc@l is taking a reader’s poll about what kind of coverage people would like to see. The arts are not included. But I encourage you to check out their site, and if you think that their thoughtful arts coverage (which also touches on gentrification, social justice, local history and community development) is of value, write to staff@missionlocal.org and cast your vote.

Arts advocates are stepping up to claim their piece of the platform, and actually getting noticed! On blogs, anyway:

• Via Unbeige: Sarah Palin’s Museum Problem
• Via Dan McKinley’s tumblelog: Museum Lovers Vote (with a special shout-out to those in Connecticut)
• Via Jerome Weeks on Art&Seek: McCain vs. Obama on the Arts and Arts Education

Locally, arts and policy combine for a healthy dose of satire at Raw Nerve! The Political Art of Steve Brodner , on display at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA through October 26.

Salvage Vanguard Theater’s Dionysium, in Austin, provides a “unique, innovative program of debate, lecture, declamation, theatrical presentation and music in a salon-like atmosphere.” Audiences enjoy wine (or beer, or cocktails) and intellectual discourse in the spirit of the original Athenians.

In 2005, Jason Neulander, SVT’s director, argued the “pro” side of Why Government Should Support the Arts:

“When I use the term ‘arts,’ I am referring to an essential service—something that binds communities together, like roads and running water.”—Jason Neulander

Three years later it is just as relevant and riveting, and worth a listen.

Coming up soon: The Dionysium Hip-Hop Bonanza