Inovating innovation

Just when you think arts funding couldn't get any lower and when the value of art has fallen below fluff status, then comes this.  Namely, two articles, one from five leading businessmen on creativity and innovation in the workplace.  The other, from a government south of the equator - "Brazil to give $25 monthly culture stipend to workers to go to movies, read books or visit museums".  As for the first article, I've sat in Howard Tullman's office (Howard is one of those five businessmen) and was blown away by the use of technology, art and career planning for students at his academy.   And as for the second, if you want educated and creative people, you need to invest in the arts.  What's interesting here, though, is that rather than giving that $25 directly to artists and arts organizations, Brazil gives it to each citizen for him or her to decide how it be spent.  As someone who works in arts funding, I find that pretty innovative.