ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: How do you measure value? Self-worth? Thea Lim wrestles with the tensions between internal value for an artist and external valuation, now measured in any number of ways by likes, Tweets, and making the right lists. It makes for a schizophrenic existence as an artist. Well worth the read. Here are the rest of today’s highlights:

  • The Bells Of Notre Dame Cathedral Return To Paris A convoy of trucks carrying eight restored bells, the largest weighing more than 4 tons, arrived at Notre Dame Cathedral in preparation for its reopening on December 8, 2024. This marks a symbolic moment for France, following the catastrophic 2019 fire. Read more in AP.
  • Richard Pettibone, Progenitor Of “Appropriation Art,” Has Died At 86 Richard Pettibone, a pioneering figure in appropriation art, known for his works that copied the iconic styles of artists like Andy Warhol and Frank Stella, passed away at age 86. His death marks the end of a legacy that shaped contemporary art discussions on originality and replication. Read more in Artnet.
  • California’s New Laws Regulating Use Of AI Now In Force California has enacted new laws to regulate the use of artificial intelligence, providing actors more protection over their digital likenesses and combating the spread of deep fakes in political ads. Read more in Los Angeles Times.
  • The Guggenheim Museum Under Fire for Controversial Director Appointment The Guggenheim Museum is facing backlash after appointing a director with no prior experience in the arts. Critics argue the decision reflects a broader issue in the museum world, where fundraising prowess is often prioritized over artistic expertise. Read more in The Guardian.
  • Hollywood Mega-Agency UTA Closes Its Visual Art Division United Talent Agency (UTA) is shuttering its fine arts division after the departure of its director, signaling a shift in the agency’s focus. UTA was one of the first major entertainment agencies to expand into visual arts, representing prominent artists. Read more in ARTnews.

The rest of the stories we collected in the past day are below.

Doug

Latest Stories

The EU Fined That Site Formerly Known As Twitter 120 Million Euros

“Elon Musk responded with his trademark tact and professionalism by posting ‘Bullshit’ on X in response to the announcement.” Then “Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, accused the Commission of abusing an exploit to boost the reach of the announcement and responded by shutting down its ad account.” - The...

What A Symphony’s Director Of Classical Programming Really Does

“I determine the pieces that the orchestra will perform, when we perform, which guest conductors and artists we perform with, all the details of their contracts – and combine everything into each concert that makes up a season. ... I’m like the party planner.” - Oregon ArtsWatch

Small Presses Are Underfunded And In Crisis

The crisis is a shame, because “generally small presses take risks that bigger publishers don’t, so we end up with some really interesting and original writing.” Then there’s the intimacy of dealing from start to finish with the physical fact of a book. - LitHub

Premium

Fall 2026 Applications Open for MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises

Earn your Master’s in One Year. Northwestern University’s MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises (MSLCE) program develops leaders across Entertainment, Media and the Arts.

Schubert Club seeks Artistic and Executive Director

The next Artistic and Executive Director will shape Schubert Club at a moment of organizational strength and artistic vitality.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra seeks Chief Philanthropy Officer

The next Chief Philanthropy Officer will sustain and build on a culture of philanthropy to advance the SLSO in delivering on its mission.

Improv In Real Life Podcast

This podcast is about the art of improv can help us navigate the speed of life: skills, philosophy and the research that supports it.

Managing Director- The Old Globe working with Management Consultants for the Arts

The Old Globe is seeking a Managing Director to co-lead the company as it looks ahead to the landmark celebration of its 100th anniversary

Classifieds

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Arts Administration

The Arts Administration program at Elon University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position that begins in August 2026.

Executive Director, Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach

The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach (CMSPB) is known for performances and educational programs of the highest artistic merit.

Apply Now: Canada’s National Arts Centre Mentorship Program

A paid side-by-side opportunity in Ottawa, Canada for emerging and early-career orchestral musicians, conductors and administrators. International applicants welcome.

The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts California State University, Northridge seeks Executive and Artistic Director

The Executive and Artistic Director will provide leadership and have overall responsibility for programming, fundraising, external relations, mission fulfillment, and the financial performance of The Soraya.
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