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More Art Upstairs

Name: More Art Upstairs
Director: Jody Hassett Sanchez
Released: 2017
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2017

TV-14

Director

Jody Hassett Sanchez

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

More Art Upstairs critiques traditional cultural hierarchies, focusing on the democratization of influence rather than specific identity narratives. While it highlights the decentralization of art, it lacks explicit focus on characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The film's primary strength lies in its thematic architecture, which challenges established power dynamics. However, it does not delve deeply into specific identity-based stories.

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Category Breakdown

Does More Art Upstairs have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film maintains a neutral stance towards LGBTQ+ identities, focusing instead on the mechanics of an art competition.

How does More Art Upstairs portray gender?

Fair

The narrative shifts power from male-dominated gatekeepers to the public, but does not provide detailed exploration of gendered ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is More Art Upstairs?

Good

ArtPrize's large scale suggests a diverse range of participants, implying a broad spectrum of racial backgrounds.

How does More Art Upstairs represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary questions established Western cultural institutions and explores whether culture can be democratized through decentralized, populist structures.

Does More Art Upstairs include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of neurodivergence or physical disabilities. No definitive score can be assigned.

Present on Screen

Questions traditional, male-dominated gatekeeping structures in the art world.
Empowers the general public to participate in the democratization of culture.
Highlights a broad, international scale suggesting diverse participation.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide explicit representation or narratives centered on LGBTQ+ identities.
Lacks specific evidence regarding disability or neurodivergent representation.
Does not detail specific gendered ability to act within the artist profiles.

Official Synopsis

A revolution is taking place in the art world and it isn’t happening in Paris, Berlin or Hong Kong—but in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ArtPrize is the most highly attended art show in the world, and it awards cash prizes larger than all other competitions combined. International critics and general crowds pack bars, galleries and abandoned buildings all over town, taking in over 1,500 works from cerebral conceptualists and weekend hobbyists. An acclaimed jury awards a winner $200,000 and the ballot-carrying public does the same. Nimble cameras follow four artists, each vying not only for critical recognition but for every public vote they can drum up. Part classy game show, part engaging art exploration, More Art Upstairs captures the debates ArtPrize has intentionally (or inadvertently?) triggered: Can culture be democratized? Do artists need or want to connect with audiences? And is the canonical art establishment on its way out? (Myrocia Watamaniuk)

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