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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Hollywood Unions Express Concerns About Netflix’s Warner Buy

“Both proposed transactions raise significant issues that impact stakeholders across the media sector, including our members,” the DGA’s statement read. - Deadline

Ukraine Punishes Two Prominent Ballet Dancers For Performing In “Swan Lake” Abroad

“The Ukrainian Ministry of Culture slammed Serhiy Kryvokon and Natalia Matsak’s performance as ‘promoting the cultural product of the aggressor state’. The National Opera of Ukraine cancelled Kryvokon’s next scheduled performance – as well as his exemption from compulsory military service and permission to travel.” - The Spectator

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Executive Director – The Washington Ballet

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

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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.

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.

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.

Carmel Bach Festival Director of Development

The Carmel Bach Festival (CBF) seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Development.

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.

ArtYard seeks Managing Director

ArtYard seeks Managing Director. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of nonprofit arts management experience are preferred. Salary will be commensurate with

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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