ArtsJournal Classic

AJ Four Ways: Text Only (by date) | headlines only

DANCE

    IDEAS

    • Couture and the Class War

      Good Morning,

      The Met Gala arrives into an unusually hostile climate. The Bezos sponsorship is drawing real anger amid a surge of anti-rich sentiment in New York and nationwide (The New York Times). Which sharpens an awkward question raised over the weekend: what is the Costume Institute, exactly, if not the party that funds it? (The New York Times). And just for ballast, The Conversation wonders whether fashion is art at all (The Conversation) — a question the red carpet will settle.

      Other institutions in mid-wobble: The Boston Globe editorializes that the BSO board’s austerity memo has triggered the fundraising collapse the austerity was supposed to prevent (Boston Globe). Venice scraps the Golden Lion for a People’s Choice prize and quietly readmits Russia and Israel — what could possibly go wrong (Hyperallergic)? Anish Kapoor would like the US shown the door next (The Guardian).

      And a three-alarm fire broke out Monday morning at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, home of The Book of Mormon (Playbill).

      All of our stories below.

    • Lisa Anita Wegner Longlisted for Johnny Depp’s The People’s Artist

      Haus of Dada is pleased to announce that their artist-in-residence Lisa Anita Wegner has been longlisted for the People’s Art Award.

      The People’s Art Award is presented by Johnny Depp, partnered with Artforum Magazine and benefiting The Art of Elysium. This longlist was selected by a judging panel from of over 16,280 entries from all over North America. Voting starts Monday, May 4, 2026, and on May 14, there will be a short list of 20 artists announced.

      Wegner and the other longlisted artists are eligible to win $25,000 USD, be featured in Artforum Magazine, and display their work at The Art of Elysium’s Salon, hosted by Johnny Depp, Fall 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

      The People’s Artist is chosen 100% by audience vote and Wegner prefers real life to Social Media. Haus of Dada asks for your help. Please take a moment to vote for Lisa Anita Wegner to be The People’s Artist and for her to have an iteration of Elsewhere presented at The Art of Elysium’s Salon.

      Wegner is a filmmaker, performer and artist based in Toronto, Canada. For almost two decades, she has been making the mundane world marvelous through shared moments of extra-ordinary time. She crafts accessible, immersive, multi-sensory public art installations. Her experience living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome shapes her artistic ethos, and her vast body of astonishing work attests to her daily commitment to her practice. View Lisa Anita Wegner’s Artist Demo https://youtu.be/ow20o-djdA0?si=3mlxR2zkZMqiYOgK

      Wegner’s current project Elsewhere is a perfect match for The Art of Elysium and a feature in Artforum. Partnered with Eric Rose, Multi-Sensory Specialist from Calgary Alberta, and headed by Cultural Producer Alison Wong, this work is mature, poised, and ready for the world stage.

      Elsewhere tells the story of a fictional 1930s performance cabaret troupe—the Dada Family—suspended outside of linear time, accessed via a Time-Space Portal. The work explores themes of altered embodiment, otherworldliness, play, and connection through constraints. Elsewhere is at once deeply personal and radically inclusive, approaching accessibility as an evolving engine of creativity in which every design choice is shaped by the question, “Who gets to be part of this experience, and how?” View a video preview of Elsewhere https://youtu.be/Y-MmNgrPjMY.

      Previous iterations of this project have circulated in Toronto as part of Nuit Blanche Toronto’s all night Contemporary Art Festival, Rendezvous With Madness Festival, Long Winter Arts Festival, and ArtworxTO, with funding from Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, The City of Toronto, Partners in Art, and The National Creation Fund.

      Since 1962, Artforum Magazine has stood as the definitive magazine on modern and contemporary art, shaping critical discourse and spotlighting artists whose work influences museums, institutions, collectors, and cultural conversations around the world.

      The Art of Elysium uses creativity as a catalyst for healing and connection. Since 1997, the organization has empowered artists and communities through tailor-made art programs designed to help people overcome social and emotional challenges.

      MORE

    • Development Manager, Fresno Philharmonic

      Full-Time/Exempt
      Reports to: President & CEO

      Submit cover letter and resume to: Stephen Wilson, President & CEO, at swilson@fresnophil.org. Include position title in the subject field. No phone calls please.

      Organization Description:

      The Fresno Philharmonic is currently in its 71st season of presenting professional symphony orchestra concerts for the residents of the Central Valley. The Fresno Philharmonic is led artistically by Music Director Rei Hotoda and regularly performs seven major concert events per season, in addition to innovative education programs for area schools. The administrative staff is based in our offices in the City of Fresno.

      Position Description and Responsibilities:

      The Development Manager is responsible for achieving the contributed revenue goals of the Fresno Philharmonic. The Development Manager works with the CEO and Patron Services staff to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Fresno Philharmonic aimed at donor development and retention. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

      • Oversee and manage the Philharmonic’s Annual Fund campaign to individual donors.
      • Manage all aspects of donor acknowledgment and recognition programs.
      • Meet with current and prospective donors, coordinating with the CEO and Board Members as needed.
      • Prepare sponsorship proposals and coordinate fulfillment of sponsor benefits.
      • Manage multiple solicitations by letter and email throughout the year, including copywriting and editing, mailing list segmentation, and coordinating with outside printing and mailing services.
      • Analyze patron data to inform fundraising strategy.
      • Manage fundraising, donor recognition and cultivation events.
      • Coordinate with outside design, marketing and event planning teams.
      • Attend Fresno Philharmonic concerts to coordinate development activities.
      • Handle miscellaneous administrative tasks as necessary and assigned.

      Requirements:

      The candidate will possess the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in person and in writing; to interact effectively with donors, constituents and colleagues; to think strategically and analytically and to prioritize accordingly; to work independently while handling multiple assignments simultaneously; to pay close attention to detail and meet deadlines consistently; to demonstrate proactive thinking to anticipate obstacles and take initiative as challenges and opportunities arise. The ideal candidate will be a goal-oriented team player and consistently show enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, and collegiality, as well as passion for the mission of the Fresno Philharmonic.

      • 2+ years of non-profit development experience, preferably in an arts-related organization.
      • Four-year degree or equivalent experience.
      • Solid computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office Suite, are a must. Experience with CRM platforms is a plus.
      • Scheduling flexibility, including evening and weekend hours at Fresno Philharmonic concerts, meetings and events required.
      • Valid driver’s license.

      Compensation:

      Salary range is $70,000-$79,000 annually, depending on experience.

      Opportunities for advancement, including on-going professional development.

      Benefits include 100% employer paid health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.

      MORE

    • The Boston Symphony’s Castigated Blueprint Makes Sense
      Andris Nelsons conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra

      Today’s online “Arts Fuse” carries a piece of mine commenting yet again on the Boston Symphony firestorm, which pits enraged musicians against the management and board – and turns Andris Nelsons, the outgoing music director, in a martyr. Excerpts follow. The read

    • Backlash Mounts To Met Gala Because of Bezos Sponsorship

      Opposition to the Bezoses started almost immediately after they were announced as financial sponsors in February, and comes amid a surging anti-rich sentiment nationwide and in New York City, the event’s liberal home. – The New York Times

    ISSUES

    MEDIA

    MUSIC

    PEOPLE

    • Couture and the Class War

      Good Morning,

      The Met Gala arrives into an unusually hostile climate. The Bezos sponsorship is drawing real anger amid a surge of anti-rich sentiment in New York and nationwide (The New York Times). Which sharpens an awkward question raised over the weekend: what is the Costume Institute, exactly, if not the party that funds it? (The New York Times). And just for ballast, The Conversation wonders whether fashion is art at all (The Conversation) — a question the red carpet will settle.

      Other institutions in mid-wobble: The Boston Globe editorializes that the BSO board’s austerity memo has triggered the fundraising collapse the austerity was supposed to prevent (Boston Globe). Venice scraps the Golden Lion for a People’s Choice prize and quietly readmits Russia and Israel — what could possibly go wrong (Hyperallergic)? Anish Kapoor would like the US shown the door next (The Guardian).

      And a three-alarm fire broke out Monday morning at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, home of The Book of Mormon (Playbill).

      All of our stories below.

    • Lisa Anita Wegner Longlisted for Johnny Depp’s The People’s Artist

      Haus of Dada is pleased to announce that their artist-in-residence Lisa Anita Wegner has been longlisted for the People’s Art Award.

      The People’s Art Award is presented by Johnny Depp, partnered with Artforum Magazine and benefiting The Art of Elysium. This longlist was selected by a judging panel from of over 16,280 entries from all over North America. Voting starts Monday, May 4, 2026, and on May 14, there will be a short list of 20 artists announced.

      Wegner and the other longlisted artists are eligible to win $25,000 USD, be featured in Artforum Magazine, and display their work at The Art of Elysium’s Salon, hosted by Johnny Depp, Fall 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

      The People’s Artist is chosen 100% by audience vote and Wegner prefers real life to Social Media. Haus of Dada asks for your help. Please take a moment to vote for Lisa Anita Wegner to be The People’s Artist and for her to have an iteration of Elsewhere presented at The Art of Elysium’s Salon.

      Wegner is a filmmaker, performer and artist based in Toronto, Canada. For almost two decades, she has been making the mundane world marvelous through shared moments of extra-ordinary time. She crafts accessible, immersive, multi-sensory public art installations. Her experience living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome shapes her artistic ethos, and her vast body of astonishing work attests to her daily commitment to her practice. View Lisa Anita Wegner’s Artist Demo https://youtu.be/ow20o-djdA0?si=3mlxR2zkZMqiYOgK

      Wegner’s current project Elsewhere is a perfect match for The Art of Elysium and a feature in Artforum. Partnered with Eric Rose, Multi-Sensory Specialist from Calgary Alberta, and headed by Cultural Producer Alison Wong, this work is mature, poised, and ready for the world stage.

      Elsewhere tells the story of a fictional 1930s performance cabaret troupe—the Dada Family—suspended outside of linear time, accessed via a Time-Space Portal. The work explores themes of altered embodiment, otherworldliness, play, and connection through constraints. Elsewhere is at once deeply personal and radically inclusive, approaching accessibility as an evolving engine of creativity in which every design choice is shaped by the question, “Who gets to be part of this experience, and how?” View a video preview of Elsewhere https://youtu.be/Y-MmNgrPjMY.

      Previous iterations of this project have circulated in Toronto as part of Nuit Blanche Toronto’s all night Contemporary Art Festival, Rendezvous With Madness Festival, Long Winter Arts Festival, and ArtworxTO, with funding from Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, The City of Toronto, Partners in Art, and The National Creation Fund.

      Since 1962, Artforum Magazine has stood as the definitive magazine on modern and contemporary art, shaping critical discourse and spotlighting artists whose work influences museums, institutions, collectors, and cultural conversations around the world.

      The Art of Elysium uses creativity as a catalyst for healing and connection. Since 1997, the organization has empowered artists and communities through tailor-made art programs designed to help people overcome social and emotional challenges.

      MORE

    • Development Manager, Fresno Philharmonic

      Full-Time/Exempt
      Reports to: President & CEO

      Submit cover letter and resume to: Stephen Wilson, President & CEO, at swilson@fresnophil.org. Include position title in the subject field. No phone calls please.

      Organization Description:

      The Fresno Philharmonic is currently in its 71st season of presenting professional symphony orchestra concerts for the residents of the Central Valley. The Fresno Philharmonic is led artistically by Music Director Rei Hotoda and regularly performs seven major concert events per season, in addition to innovative education programs for area schools. The administrative staff is based in our offices in the City of Fresno.

      Position Description and Responsibilities:

      The Development Manager is responsible for achieving the contributed revenue goals of the Fresno Philharmonic. The Development Manager works with the CEO and Patron Services staff to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Fresno Philharmonic aimed at donor development and retention. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

      • Oversee and manage the Philharmonic’s Annual Fund campaign to individual donors.
      • Manage all aspects of donor acknowledgment and recognition programs.
      • Meet with current and prospective donors, coordinating with the CEO and Board Members as needed.
      • Prepare sponsorship proposals and coordinate fulfillment of sponsor benefits.
      • Manage multiple solicitations by letter and email throughout the year, including copywriting and editing, mailing list segmentation, and coordinating with outside printing and mailing services.
      • Analyze patron data to inform fundraising strategy.
      • Manage fundraising, donor recognition and cultivation events.
      • Coordinate with outside design, marketing and event planning teams.
      • Attend Fresno Philharmonic concerts to coordinate development activities.
      • Handle miscellaneous administrative tasks as necessary and assigned.

      Requirements:

      The candidate will possess the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in person and in writing; to interact effectively with donors, constituents and colleagues; to think strategically and analytically and to prioritize accordingly; to work independently while handling multiple assignments simultaneously; to pay close attention to detail and meet deadlines consistently; to demonstrate proactive thinking to anticipate obstacles and take initiative as challenges and opportunities arise. The ideal candidate will be a goal-oriented team player and consistently show enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, and collegiality, as well as passion for the mission of the Fresno Philharmonic.

      • 2+ years of non-profit development experience, preferably in an arts-related organization.
      • Four-year degree or equivalent experience.
      • Solid computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office Suite, are a must. Experience with CRM platforms is a plus.
      • Scheduling flexibility, including evening and weekend hours at Fresno Philharmonic concerts, meetings and events required.
      • Valid driver’s license.

      Compensation:

      Salary range is $70,000-$79,000 annually, depending on experience.

      Opportunities for advancement, including on-going professional development.

      Benefits include 100% employer paid health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.

      MORE

    • The Boston Symphony’s Castigated Blueprint Makes Sense
      Andris Nelsons conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra

      Today’s online “Arts Fuse” carries a piece of mine commenting yet again on the Boston Symphony firestorm, which pits enraged musicians against the management and board – and turns Andris Nelsons, the outgoing music director, in a martyr. Excerpts follow. The read

    • Backlash Mounts To Met Gala Because of Bezos Sponsorship

      Opposition to the Bezoses started almost immediately after they were announced as financial sponsors in February, and comes amid a surging anti-rich sentiment nationwide and in New York City, the event’s liberal home. – The New York Times

    PEOPLE

    • Couture and the Class War

      Good Morning,

      The Met Gala arrives into an unusually hostile climate. The Bezos sponsorship is drawing real anger amid a surge of anti-rich sentiment in New York and nationwide (The New York Times). Which sharpens an awkward question raised over the weekend: what is the Costume Institute, exactly, if not the party that funds it? (The New York Times). And just for ballast, The Conversation wonders whether fashion is art at all (The Conversation) — a question the red carpet will settle.

      Other institutions in mid-wobble: The Boston Globe editorializes that the BSO board’s austerity memo has triggered the fundraising collapse the austerity was supposed to prevent (Boston Globe). Venice scraps the Golden Lion for a People’s Choice prize and quietly readmits Russia and Israel — what could possibly go wrong (Hyperallergic)? Anish Kapoor would like the US shown the door next (The Guardian).

      And a three-alarm fire broke out Monday morning at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, home of The Book of Mormon (Playbill).

      All of our stories below.

    • Lisa Anita Wegner Longlisted for Johnny Depp’s The People’s Artist

      Haus of Dada is pleased to announce that their artist-in-residence Lisa Anita Wegner has been longlisted for the People’s Art Award.

      The People’s Art Award is presented by Johnny Depp, partnered with Artforum Magazine and benefiting The Art of Elysium. This longlist was selected by a judging panel from of over 16,280 entries from all over North America. Voting starts Monday, May 4, 2026, and on May 14, there will be a short list of 20 artists announced.

      Wegner and the other longlisted artists are eligible to win $25,000 USD, be featured in Artforum Magazine, and display their work at The Art of Elysium’s Salon, hosted by Johnny Depp, Fall 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

      The People’s Artist is chosen 100% by audience vote and Wegner prefers real life to Social Media. Haus of Dada asks for your help. Please take a moment to vote for Lisa Anita Wegner to be The People’s Artist and for her to have an iteration of Elsewhere presented at The Art of Elysium’s Salon.

      Wegner is a filmmaker, performer and artist based in Toronto, Canada. For almost two decades, she has been making the mundane world marvelous through shared moments of extra-ordinary time. She crafts accessible, immersive, multi-sensory public art installations. Her experience living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome shapes her artistic ethos, and her vast body of astonishing work attests to her daily commitment to her practice. View Lisa Anita Wegner’s Artist Demo https://youtu.be/ow20o-djdA0?si=3mlxR2zkZMqiYOgK

      Wegner’s current project Elsewhere is a perfect match for The Art of Elysium and a feature in Artforum. Partnered with Eric Rose, Multi-Sensory Specialist from Calgary Alberta, and headed by Cultural Producer Alison Wong, this work is mature, poised, and ready for the world stage.

      Elsewhere tells the story of a fictional 1930s performance cabaret troupe—the Dada Family—suspended outside of linear time, accessed via a Time-Space Portal. The work explores themes of altered embodiment, otherworldliness, play, and connection through constraints. Elsewhere is at once deeply personal and radically inclusive, approaching accessibility as an evolving engine of creativity in which every design choice is shaped by the question, “Who gets to be part of this experience, and how?” View a video preview of Elsewhere https://youtu.be/Y-MmNgrPjMY.

      Previous iterations of this project have circulated in Toronto as part of Nuit Blanche Toronto’s all night Contemporary Art Festival, Rendezvous With Madness Festival, Long Winter Arts Festival, and ArtworxTO, with funding from Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, The City of Toronto, Partners in Art, and The National Creation Fund.

      Since 1962, Artforum Magazine has stood as the definitive magazine on modern and contemporary art, shaping critical discourse and spotlighting artists whose work influences museums, institutions, collectors, and cultural conversations around the world.

      The Art of Elysium uses creativity as a catalyst for healing and connection. Since 1997, the organization has empowered artists and communities through tailor-made art programs designed to help people overcome social and emotional challenges.

      MORE

    • Development Manager, Fresno Philharmonic

      Full-Time/Exempt
      Reports to: President & CEO

      Submit cover letter and resume to: Stephen Wilson, President & CEO, at swilson@fresnophil.org. Include position title in the subject field. No phone calls please.

      Organization Description:

      The Fresno Philharmonic is currently in its 71st season of presenting professional symphony orchestra concerts for the residents of the Central Valley. The Fresno Philharmonic is led artistically by Music Director Rei Hotoda and regularly performs seven major concert events per season, in addition to innovative education programs for area schools. The administrative staff is based in our offices in the City of Fresno.

      Position Description and Responsibilities:

      The Development Manager is responsible for achieving the contributed revenue goals of the Fresno Philharmonic. The Development Manager works with the CEO and Patron Services staff to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Fresno Philharmonic aimed at donor development and retention. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

      • Oversee and manage the Philharmonic’s Annual Fund campaign to individual donors.
      • Manage all aspects of donor acknowledgment and recognition programs.
      • Meet with current and prospective donors, coordinating with the CEO and Board Members as needed.
      • Prepare sponsorship proposals and coordinate fulfillment of sponsor benefits.
      • Manage multiple solicitations by letter and email throughout the year, including copywriting and editing, mailing list segmentation, and coordinating with outside printing and mailing services.
      • Analyze patron data to inform fundraising strategy.
      • Manage fundraising, donor recognition and cultivation events.
      • Coordinate with outside design, marketing and event planning teams.
      • Attend Fresno Philharmonic concerts to coordinate development activities.
      • Handle miscellaneous administrative tasks as necessary and assigned.

      Requirements:

      The candidate will possess the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in person and in writing; to interact effectively with donors, constituents and colleagues; to think strategically and analytically and to prioritize accordingly; to work independently while handling multiple assignments simultaneously; to pay close attention to detail and meet deadlines consistently; to demonstrate proactive thinking to anticipate obstacles and take initiative as challenges and opportunities arise. The ideal candidate will be a goal-oriented team player and consistently show enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, and collegiality, as well as passion for the mission of the Fresno Philharmonic.

      • 2+ years of non-profit development experience, preferably in an arts-related organization.
      • Four-year degree or equivalent experience.
      • Solid computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office Suite, are a must. Experience with CRM platforms is a plus.
      • Scheduling flexibility, including evening and weekend hours at Fresno Philharmonic concerts, meetings and events required.
      • Valid driver’s license.

      Compensation:

      Salary range is $70,000-$79,000 annually, depending on experience.

      Opportunities for advancement, including on-going professional development.

      Benefits include 100% employer paid health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.

      MORE

    • The Boston Symphony’s Castigated Blueprint Makes Sense
      Andris Nelsons conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra

      Today’s online “Arts Fuse” carries a piece of mine commenting yet again on the Boston Symphony firestorm, which pits enraged musicians against the management and board – and turns Andris Nelsons, the outgoing music director, in a martyr. Excerpts follow. The read

    • Backlash Mounts To Met Gala Because of Bezos Sponsorship

      Opposition to the Bezoses started almost immediately after they were announced as financial sponsors in February, and comes amid a surging anti-rich sentiment nationwide and in New York City, the event’s liberal home. – The New York Times

    THEATRE

      VISUAL

      WORDS