Launching Art Fortnight, Nick Serota's Style Was More Great Dictator Than Good Director

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Inventing a special fortnight for London to celebrate its position in the art market is a good idea. Most of the time, there is such a chasm between private and public art on display in the capital that it is only notable exceptions, such as Charles Saatchi in County Hall, who seem to have the energy to bridge it. Unfortunately, Art Fortnight started with a most uneasy lurch.

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Last year, Tate Britain held a hilariously eccentric night celebrating British Art Week. Guests were served at a bar made from huge plastic "eggs", while the august composer John Tavener DJ'd for the night and operated the decks with his own ambient sound.

This …