In an era dominated by social media influencers and shrinking newsroom budgets, the role of professional critics is being questioned. However, the National Critics Institute in Connecticut, US, is working to preserve the importance of expert criticism. The institute, led by respected theatre critics Chris Jones and Naveen Kumar, offers a two-week fellowship for arts writers to develop their critical writing skills.
The programme, which includes daily morning feedback sessions evaluating reviews of performances, emphasizes the guiding principle of 'being in service of the art.' This means that critics should not simply provide negative reviews, but rather offer constructive feedback that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of a work. According to Caroline Aaron, an actor and guest speaker at the institute, the word 'criticism' comes from the Greek word meaning 'able to discern,' implying a level of expertise and discernment.
Despite the challenges faced by traditional journalism, the National Critics Institute is providing a platform for professional critics to develop their skills and advocate for the importance of expert criticism. Their work serves as a reminder that, in an era where everyone has an opinion, it is still essential to have trusted voices providing thoughtful and informed analysis of the arts.
The institute's focus on the role of the critic in shaping cultural conversation is particularly relevant in the UK, where the arts sector is facing significant funding cuts and changes in the way we consume and engage with culture. As the UK government continues to explore ways to support the arts, the work of the National Critics Institute serves as a timely reminder of the importance of expert criticism in promoting and preserving high-quality arts and culture.