ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: Here are today’s highlights:

  • Man Smashes Ai Weiwei Art at Rome Show Opening
    A visitor at Ai Weiwei’s Rome exhibition vandalized one of the artist’s sculptures during the opening, sparking widespread debate about art vandalism. CCTV footage of the incident was later shared on Ai Weiwei’s Instagram, stirring further discussions on social media. Read more on Reuters.
  • The Huntington Botanical Gardens Faces Plant Theft Issue
    The Huntington Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles has been hit by a series of plant thefts, mirroring a global trend where rare and valuable plants are being stolen from botanical collections. The thefts have raised concerns about the illegal trade of endangered species. Read more on LAist.
  • More Than 10,000 Books Were Banned in the US Last Year
    A PEN America report revealed that book bans in the United States skyrocketed to over 10,000 last year, highlighting a growing battle over censorship and access to information in schools and public libraries. Read more on The Guardian.
  • Extreme Candor: Pittsburgh Arts Council Admits Big Failures
    The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s latest strategic plan openly acknowledges past failures with remarkable transparency, aiming to rebuild trust within the local arts community through self-reflection and a five-year vision. Read more on WESA.
  • One Artist Is Helping Refugees Tell Their Stories with SIM Cards
    An artist is using glass plates shaped like SIM cards to tell the stories of refugees, capturing their migration experiences. This unique artistic approach provides a new medium for raising awareness about the refugee crisis. Read more on Fast Company.

Scroll down to see the rest of the stories we collected today.

Till tomorrow.

Doug

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Playwright Tracy Letts On Why He Wrote “Bug” (And Why Now’s A Good Time For Reviving It)

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Premium

Brevard Music Center seeks Chief Advancement Officer.

The next Chief Advancement Officer will lead the organization’s fundraising, institutional marketing, and external engagement efforts during a significant period of institutional growth and evolution.

Executive Director – Louisville Orchestra

The Executive Director serves as chief executive of the Louisville Orchestra and, with the Music Director and Board of Directors, is responsible for its success.

Quantum Theatre – Artistic Director

Quantum Theatre seeks a visionary Artistic Director to build on an experimental legacy, shape ambitious programming, and lead Quantum into its next era of impact.

Executive Director – The Washington Ballet

The Executive Director of The Washington Ballet will co-lead the organization with Artistic Director Edwaard Liang..

2 Arts Marketing, Development & Ticketing Conferences Devoted to Solutions for the New Era!

Make Up for Lost Revenue from Traditional Sources. Join us in Toronto, July 14-15 or Seattle, August 11-12. Register by February 20 to get 3-for-1!

President & CEO – Wharton Arts

Wharton Arts welcomes nominations and applications for the newly defined leadership position of President and CEO, available in the Spring of 2026.

Chief Financial Officer – Sarasota Opera

Sarasota Opera welcomes applications and nominations for the position of Chief Financial Officer, available in the Spring of 2026.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra seeks Director of Development.

The next Director of Development will lead all fundraising efforts for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra to strengthen the ISO’s visibility and supporter relationships.

Classifieds

Seeking Chief Marketing & Communications Officer with experience in the Performing Arts nonprofit industry

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is seeking an experienced, innovative Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). The CMCO is a vital member of STG's senior leadership.

The McCallum Theatre seeks Vice President—General Manager

The McCallum Theatre seeks Vice President—General Manager. Salary range is between $170,000 and $185,000.

Columbia Museum of Art – Executive Director

The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA), in Columbia, South Carolina, an AAM-accredited institution, seeks an Executive Director to build upon its 75-year legacy.

Classic Stage Company seeks General Manager

Classic Stage Company seeks General Manager. Salary is $90,000. Expected state date is mid-March.

New York Theatre Ballet seeks Managing Director

Managing Director opportunity at NYTB, leading growth, operations, partnerships, governance, and teams, delivering expansion, innovation, and compliance across the dance community.

Director of Artistic Operations

The Knights seek a Director of Artistic Operations to work with the Artistic Directors and Executive Director on high-level artistic planning and program implementation.
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