Arts issues
Posted October 21st, 2009 by debritz
1) The Queensland Theatre Company has, no doubt, spent a lot of money on the billboard promoting its 2010 subscription season. It's strategically placed on Milton Road so it can be seen by motorists and train passengers. It's such a shame that a big chunk of it is impossible to read by somebody passing by at a moderate speed because it appears to employ white type on a yellow background. This is one of the worst combinations for legibility.
2) As Spencer Howson pointed out this morning on 612 ABC, The Queensland Orchestra has changed its name to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra -- which was the name of one of the two ensembles that merged back in the 1990s. As Spencer says, it's disrespectful to the former Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra and its members, some of whom still play with TQO. In fact, the media release that came with the company's 2010 launch season doesn't even mention the Philharmonic. Additionally, I'd like to know how much money was wasted on TQO stationery and signange that now can't be used and the costs of converting to the new name, including commissioning a new logo (pictured). It's public money, so we should be told -- along with the reasoning for the change in the first place.
Interesting you should mention QTC - I've actually been working on the 2010 season brochure for the Brisbane Arts Theatre (which I shall certainly be sending you, Brett!), and I've been looking at a lot of brochures for ideas etc.
I actually find QTC's formatting choice this year to be somewhat odd. They've gone for bright colours, themed for each play. It's a nice idea, but they've gone with a very text-heavy brochure, including lots of quotes. It makes for a very busy program, one which I think makes it harder to read and digest properly. It's interesting you should mention their matching billboard being hard to read! I haven't seen it yet but shall take a trip along Milton Road to have a look.
Clarity is the key to communication. Wild colours and type effects may get some designers' juices flowing, but legibility and readibility (two diferent things) are far more important in a brochure that you actually want people to digest and act upon. If the QTC's brochure, which I haven't seen, is hard to read, then that's a big mistake - especially given that its core audience probably doesn't have 20-20 vision.
You know what I like it very much! I found the colours, format and line-up of plays, actors and directors like a breath of fresh air and a step in the right direction for a theme that's all about transformation.
Hey Brett - I wonder if Anna works for QTC marketing or promotions at all?!?
In all seriousness, as I said above, I like the brightly-themed colours and strong layout of the QTC brochure. I simply said I thought it was very text-heavy, which makes it harder to focus.
As for the line-up of plays, that's a different matter entirely. I think QTC always do interesting things, and their choices look great - even if three of them are buy-ins from other states. There's a possible angle for you Brett - apparently the number of buy-ins is causing a bit of heartache in Brisbane's creative community, as it means less work for actors/crew/techs up here.
I can tell you that the Brisbane Arts Theatre brochure is going to look swish and be easy-to-read. As for our season of plays - it's a really exciting, dynamic line-up. And it's all in-house! :)
Now you’ve got me contemplating all the delicious home-grown tales that La Boite might possibility dish out this season. Let's hope the brochure is not too text-heavy for sensitive eyes.