Hookers and artists try to coexist in Amsterdam

Amsterdam doesn’t want some businesses to grow. It seems unusual in a recession (and yes, the Netherlands is feeling it, too), but I guess the situation isn’t so dire that they can’t be picky over there. So, the locals are fighting the business of naked people with the business of art – which clearly has no history of portraying the uncovered human form (feel free to chortle).

The city of Amsterdam has teamed up with a housing corporation. Together, they are acquiring rooms formerly used as brothels and renting them out as studios to artists. This ground-level contribution to the arts is inspiring. While it’s nice to see an established artist get a hefty grant to pursue a specific vision, the measure taken in Amsterdam gives emerging artists (and even those less established) a shot at success.

Of course, some people didn’t find out in time.

A few prostitute clients have come up to doors that are now art studios, seeking their former flames.

Some working girls aren’t thrilled about this development, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Since we’re dealing with Europe, you know there has to be a union involved … and the hookers have one. They say that there’s a history of prostitutes and artists living side-by-side, “like they did in Paris in the 19th century.” Further, ladies of the night have inspired their new neighbors, with the most famous probably being Pablo Picasso‘s “Ladies of Avignon.”

Given the plunge in the global art market, one thing is certain: people will continue to get screwed in these apartments.

Historical Building to be Demolished for View of the Acropolis

Against opposition from architects and cultural conservationists, George Voulgarakis has cleared the way for the razing of a once-protected art deco building in Athens, Greece, because the building stands in the way of a direct view of the Acropolis from the new landmark Acropolis Museum. Voulgarakis also added that demolition of the building “would allow the plot to be excavated ‘to reveal antiquities whose existence is considered highly likely.'”

The Culture Minister revoked state protection of Areopagitou 17 and 19 when the rest of the nation was focused on forest fires in the southern part of the country.

The building, standing just 300 meters from the Acropolis, was designed by Greek architect Vassilis Kouremenos, a Paris-trained friend of Pablo Picasso. Ironically, the structure was originally protected by the driving force behind the new museum, the late actress and former Culture Minister Melina Mercouri.

Two adjacent buildings on Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street will not be automatically demolished, as they are both still protected by the Ministry of Public Works. But Voulgarakis’ decision is expected to ease the way for that listing to be revoked too.

Read the whole article here.

Thanks to Mel Kots and John Kots on Flickr for the photo of the “almost ready” Acropolis Museum.