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- Good Morning.
Today’s AJ highlights: Switzerland is asking UNESCO to add yodeling to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list — a local practice seeking global certification. (AP) In Seattle, the new $800 million waterfront park opens amid high civic expectations and question-marks about payoff. (Bloomberg) In Russia, publishers and bookstores are nervously playing Minesweeper under the Kremlin’s shifting red-lines. (NYT) At the Kennedy Center, a disaster under new management. (NYT) And in Britain the government works to undo arts-education cuts — a rare moment when policy steps in to prop up culture rather than starve it. (The Guardian)
All of today’s stories below (with links).
- Archaeologists Uncover Site Where Benin Bronzes Were Made
“Rediscovered structural remains, pottery, and glass vessels illuminate daily life and craft practices in the centuries preceding colonial rule. The dig established a complete archaeological sequence from before the kingdom’s founding to after its ruin. As the repatriation of Benin bronzes remains at the forefront of art-world conversations, archaeologists also unearthed artifacts related to metalworking.” – Artnet
- Seattle’s New $800M Park Transforms Its Waterfront
Waterfront Park is thus making its debut in a city eager for a win. When it began opening in stages over the last year, Seattleites swarmed the space, dodging construction fences and heavy equipment to check out the progress. Now much rides on its success. – Bloomberg
- Russian Publishers And Bookstores Are Nervous As Kremlin Cracks Down On Books
“Publishers have faced a difficult dilemma: stop offering books that the Kremlin dislikes, clandestinely cut the risky parts or openly redact them to show readers that something was censored. … ‘Right now we’re all playing Minesweeper, (said one literary critic,) when you don’t understand what is forbidden and what is not.’” – The New York Times
- Woeful Security At The Louvre (Including Its Passwords)
Since the heist, information has resurfaced showing that gaps in security appear to have been known for years – including a 2014 warning that alleged one of the museum’s key passwords was simply “LOUVRE.” – CNN
- Inside The Kennedy Center’s Nose-Dive
Interviews with 25 people, including current and former Kennedy Center executives, board members, longtime employees, recent hires, industry leaders and Trump administration officials, revealed a Washington institution in crisis. – The New York Times
- Alabama Public Television Has Major Second Thoughts About Dropping PBS
“Officials said the end of the PBS partnership could cost Alabama Public Television millions in funding, 90% of its content and thousands of audience members. ‘I’m afraid that it would be the end of APT-PBS as we know it,’ APT Commissioner Pete Conroy said.” – AL.com
- AI Is Exacerbating An Education Crisis
As one instructional designer you’ll hear says, “If this technology becomes more ubiquitous, we’ll have courses created by AI, graded by AI, with submissions from students absolutely generated by AI. So it begs the question: What are we even doing here in higher ed?” – The Verge
- Music Labels Are Beginning To Make AI Deals. What Does It Mean For Musicians?
Such settlements and strategic partnerships will help major labels set the ground rules for developing AI-music ecosystems. And it seems they are becoming common. – The Conversation
- The Unpleasant Art Museum Tour That’s Wildly Popular
Joseph Langelinck’s “highly unpleasant” tours cost around $8 USD, and they’ve reportedly sold out every session since they launched in May, with bookings well into 2026. – The New York Post
- England Moves To Undo Cuts In Arts Education; Creative Sector Heaves Sighs of Relief
For years, Britain’s leading cultural figures have warned that substandard arts provision in schools is devaluing the sector and creating an increasingly elite industry. But the government’s proposed shake-up of the national curriculum, … has been met with overwhelming positivity, with one figure saying it could end ‘the madness of the past decade’.” – The Guardian
- An AI Map Of Bob Dylan’s Songs
Could machine analysis measure the qualities that make Dylan’s songs resonate – how complexity arises, how new images mix with the familiar, how ambiguity threads through songs? – Aeon
- Film Festival In New York Cancelled At Last Minute After Chinese Filmmakers Withdraw
“The inaugural IndieChina film festival was planned to take place between 8 and 15 November. But on 5 November the festival’s curator … posted on Facebook that he had been forced to cancel 80% of the planned screenings because film-makers had pulled out” after their families in China were pressured by authorities. – The Guardian
- The Mona Lisa Problem
One solution might be to put it in a separate structure — climate-controlled, transparent — in the neighboring Tuileries Garden. Time-controlled tickets could be sold at a premium, while the general public could view it for free at a distance, through the glass walls. – Washington Post
- Why Japan Shadow-Banned Paul Schrader’s Biopic Of Yukio Mishima
Until, that is, last week, when the 1985 film Mishima finally had its Japanese premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival, where the screening sold out in ten minutes. Before that? Well, in his homeland the life and ideas of the author were something of an uncomfortable subject. – The New York Times
- Has Chicago’s Theater Scene Addressed The Issues In The “We See You, White American Theater” Letter?
“WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times asked some Black Chicago theater makers what has changed for them since 2020. Among those interviewed for this story, even the most optimistic back in 2020 felt no significant change in the years since. That’s despite the promise of major action by groups themselves.” – WBEZ (Chicago)
- Toronto’s Only Purpose-Built Dance Venue To Reopen
The auditorium at Queens Quay had been called the Fleck Dance Theatre; early this year, the Harbourfront Centre, which manages Queens Quay, declined to renew the Fleck’s lease. Now the Toronto Stage Company will take over, presenting its own mainstage season there and making it available to dance organizations. – Ludwig Van
- Bizarre Attack By Teen Tourist On Met Museum Artworks
On Monday, a 19-year-old hurled water at a 19th-century portrait and a 16th-century altarpiece, then ripped two tapestries. His mother turned him over to police, who said he seemed to be to be under the influence of an “unknown substance” and took him to a hospital before having him arraigned for criminal mischief. – ARTnews
- LACMA Management Won’t Recognize Employee’s Union Formed Last Week
“This means LACMA United cannot move forward with collective bargaining efforts until it is formalized by a National Labor Relations Board election. Complicating matters further, NLRB activities — including elections — are on hold amid the federal government shutdown.” – Los Angeles Times (Yahoo!)
- Actress Pauline Collins, Known For “Shirley Valentine,” Has Died At 85
She began her carer in theatre and TV and first became widely known as troublemaking parlour maid Sarah on Upstairs, Downstairs. Her turn as the lonely housewife talking to the wall in the one-woman play Shirley Valentine won her an Olivier, a Tony, and, for the film adaptation, an Oscar nomination. – The Hollywood Reporter
- Anti-Israel Protestors Light Flares Inside Crowded Paris Concert Hall
Thursday night’s Israel Philharmonic concert at the Philharmonie was interrupted three times by demonstrators, including twice when flares were lit in the balcony and smoke filled the auditorium. One of the disruptors was attacked by angry audience members and a physical fight broke out. Four people were arrested. – BBC (MSN)
- Director of Programming, Hult Center, Eugene, OR
Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. P.T.
Accepting Online Applications Only Via the City of Eugene’s Website: Director of Programming | Job Details tab | Career PagesCity of Eugene
Director of ProgrammingSALARY
- $44.83 – $60.52 Hourly
- $93,246.40 – $125,881.60 Annually
JOB TYPE Full-Time
LOCATION Eugene, OR
JOB NUMBER 04311
DEPARTMENT Library, Recreation & Cultural Services
DIVISION Cultural Services Division
OPENING DATE 11/05/2025
CLOSING DATE 12/1/2025 5:15 PM Pacific
The Director of Programming is responsible for developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. In consultation with the Managing Director, makes major decisions about the ongoing growth of Hult’s mission to present a wide variety of Arts and Culture including a successful Broadway season. The Director of Programming leads the Programming Department which generates multi-millions in revenue through presenting, rentals and partnerships with Resident Companies and local arts organizations. The Director leads a team who independently negotiates all rental contractual fees, terms, and accompanying requirements for these events at the Center. The position is an integral member of the Hult Center’s leadership team and is key to all relationships both inside and outside of the Hult Center.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of experience in and knowledge of the performing arts/entertainment industry. They are a savvy negotiator who understands and achieves the “win-win.” They possess outstanding customer service, relationship building, facilitation and leadership skills. They continually seek to develop new business and build their network to increase activity and revenue. They have a winning attitude, integrity, creativity, and management skills and are driven to serve a team and clients with excellence. They are champions of arts and culture!
Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. P.T.
Accepting Online Applications OnlyInformation on How to Apply
Classification:Manager 1
Salary Range: $93,246.40 – $125,881.60 annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Department, Division: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services
Position Information: Non-Represented, Exempt
Work Location: Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene, OR
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with some nights and weekends
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.
Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.Examples of Duties Performed – Duties may include but are not limited to the following
- Leads the Hult Center Programming team:
- Directs, prioritizes, assigns, and reviews work of staff and temporary workers involved in Programming / Booking work for the center.
- Directs program staff in curation of a wide variety of revenue generating events including programming a robust Broadway season.
- Creates and oversees department budgets for presented events.
- Plans, conducts, and analyzes research for sales, policies, and procedures of Hult Center utilizing multi-year financial and usage data, industry standards, comparisons to other venues, and current trends.
- Manages bookings from negotiation to settlement for all presented performances including overseeing the contract process.
- Develops and executes programming strategy to complement existing arts programming in the market and leverage gaps in audience experience.
- Oversee venue rental program to maximize space utilization, while balancing revenue goals with the usage of facility by local and Resident companies.
- Resolves conflicts between the Center and users/promoters/agents, including re-negotiation of contract items.
- Works closely with the Managing Director in the development of long and short-term goals and strategies for the Center
- Maintains a collaborative relationship with the Managing Director, Director of Marketing, & Director of Community & Creative Learning allowing space for differing opinions and analysis to be heard and considered in overall programming and marketing strategies.
- Establishes and meets annual performance goals including revenue and attendance objectives.
- Evaluates current programming objectives and recommends long-range programming initiatives to Hult Center Managing Director.
- Expands the Hult Center’s role as a presenter outside of Center venues.
- Develops and maintain key industry relationships regionally and nationally in the touring performing arts and entertainment industry.
- Ensures strong fiscal stewardship and financial sustainability of overall venue utilization.
- Provides leadership and oversight of master venue calendar management.
- Works closely with the marketing and box offices teams to develop sales strategies for presented events.
- Works with the Director of Community & Creative Learning to leverage existing programs, build educational and access programs with touring artists, and develop new opportunities and initiatives for the community.
- Works with the Technical and Facilities Director to manage show budgets and mitigate overages.
- Serves on the Hult Center’s Senior Leadership Team, attends other meetings as assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Manager 1
Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.Minimum Qualifications
Experience
Five years of professional experience developing, implementing, and managing programs, projects, and/or personnel functions within an organizational unit, including two years in a full supervisory role.Education
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field that is transferrable to the assigned program area. Additional qualifying professional level experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.Background
Must pass a background check.
The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities
Knowledge
- Contract negotiations; touring promoter/agent negotiating practices and strategies. Performing arts contracting terminology.
- Performing arts management practices, policies, and operational needs.
- Performing arts/entertainment industry standards, developments, and trends.
- Procedures, methods and techniques of marketing and sales.
- Event Management Software.
- Basic accounting principles.
- Research, data collection and analysis.
- Meeting facilitation.
- Project management.
- Management theory and principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational development.
- Federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and policies relevant to program management, including understanding of compliance requirements and implications.
- City policies, rules, and bargaining agreements, and their application to assigned staff, with an emphasis on equitable practices and inclusion.
- Operational and strategic planning principles and practices, including goal setting, performance measurement, and evaluation methodologies.
Abilities
- Interpret and explain booking and scheduling policies and procedures; recognize and evaluate various options and opportunities and determine the most effective course of action.
- Successfully negotiate contractual terms with performing arts promoters, agents, artists, and other users of the facility.
- Analyze, interpret, and apply policies and guidelines of facility operations and performing arts management.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with other managers and staff, touring promoters/agents, local arts managers and boards, other agencies and City staff and general public; gain cooperation through discussion, facilitation and persuasion.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community organizations and institutions and other City staff.
- Supervise and manage staff and resources in an effective and efficient manner.
- Effectively manage projects and coordinate the work of staff, vendors and contractors.
- Work effectively with information management systems and adapt quickly to system changes and updates.
- Ability to work various hours, including evening, weekends and holidays.
- Fulfill Hult Center’s employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
- Promote and equitable workplace environment, apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services, and foster inclusive leadership practices.
Supplemental Information
Bilingual Pay Benefit
This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.
Non-Represented Retirement Program
Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.
From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.
What to Expect from our Selection Process
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.Employer
City of EugenePhone
(541) 682-5061Address
City of Eugene
500 East 4th Avenue Eugene, Oregon, 97401Website
www.eugene-or.gov (Eugene, OR Website | Official Website) - Switzerland Asks UNESCO To Officially Recognize Yodeling
The country’s government has requested that the UN agency designate yodeling as Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO’s committee for Intangible Heritage will decide at its mid-December meeting in New Delhi. – AP
- What Margaret Atwood Left Out Of Her Memoir
By telling a straightforward tale about her life in which she is the unquestionable hero, Atwood leaves little space for truly literary tensions but plenty of space for gossipy ones. – The Walrus
- The Idea Of An Anthropocene Era Has Been Declared Dead
In 2016, the group made its recommendation that the Anthropocene should be considered as the new epoch. This recommendation was later forwarded to higher ICS organs for consideration and voting. A series of votes was expected, but the proposal was rejected early on in the process in March 2024. – Aeon
- Doomerism as A Philosophy
As a wide range of social scientists, pollsters, and trendspotters have observed, a sense of fatalism has increasingly suffused the attitudes of many millennials and zoomers. – Drift Magazine
- The Old Whitney Museum Is About To Reopen As Sotheby’s. Here’s What’s Been Done To It
The renovation is thoughtful and deeply respectful, with a stress on materiality and crisp detail that is typical of Herzog & de Meuron. – The New York Times
- Opera In Decline? Maybe Not In Australia, Suggest Recent Data
‘Both our Sydney summer and winter 2025 seasons recorded their highest ever number of first-time purchasers, while repeat purchasers also grew. This increase in first-time attendees shows growing interest among younger, culturally curious, and tourism-driven audiences.’ – ArtsHub
- “India’s Picasso,” The Country’s Most Admired And Reviled Artist
In March, a painting by M.F. Husain became the highest-priced modern Indian artwork ever; in June, an auction of his work in Mumbai was nearly cancelled after Hindu extremists threatened it. Last January, an Indian court ordered impoundment of two “offensive” Husain paintings; in October, Qatar announced an entire museum for his work. – CNN
- To Get More Patrons, San Francisco Plans To Allow Movies Theatres To Serve Alcohol
“You have to basically be a restaurant, which movie theaters are not. This is going to make it easier for movie theaters to have sustainable business models.” – San Francisco Chronicle (Yahoo)
- The Tax Scams Behind UK Movies
For Love or Money had a budget of £4.3m and claimed tax credits of £994,353 – or 23% of the budget. If you actually sit through the 95 minutes of the film, you might ask if the product really cost that much, given its budget feel and the calibre of the script. – The Guardian
- AI Hallucinations Mimic The Traits Of Narcissism
To understand why they persist, it helps to see them not as acts of deception, but as predictable behaviours of systems built to be fluent. – Psyche
- Why Robotics Companies Are Working With Dancers
“As moving machines like drones and self-driving cars become more integrated into our daily lives, the tech companies behind them are realizing they need experts who understand motion through space and time, and how the nuances of that motion affect the way we feel about their products. Translation: They need dance artists.” – Dance Magazine
- James Gaffigan Appointed Music Director Of Houston Grand Opera
The New York-born, Houston-trained conductor is currently general music director of the Komische Oper Berlin and just completed a term leading Valencia’s Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Gaffigan succeeds Patrick Summers, who departs at the end of this season. – CultureMap Houston
- When Dance Movement Is Constrained By Costumes
Josephine Flos was rehearsing the opening of “Figure,” a new dance piece created by the fashion designer Lisa Konno in collaboration with the choreographer Peter Leung, that tries to answer a simple question: What if choreography starts with the costumes? – The New York Times
