Weaaah. I didn't get a grant so I'm going to call the funders "incapable" and the artists "amateurs." Since nobody will let me run the arts community (clearly I'd be so much better at it), I'm going to threaten to move away, although nobody will know I'm gone because I'll have to do it anonymously.

Look. Just because you're an artist doesn't mean you're entitled to taxpayer money. I agree that RACC and OAC should design a new system that better rewards our community's serious artists, but do you think you would qualify for such funds? I'm sorry you have to network and write grants to make a living in this community in the meantime, that must be really awful for you.

To Jeff: Now that I understand you better (thank you for indulging me) I AM interested in the question about how to reward excellence and avoid spending government funds on the lowest common denominator of a community-minded panel. What are some of the best models (dreamt or in action) for spending civic dollars more decisively?