ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s AJ Highlights

Happy Saturday. So you thought debates about high and low culture were long settled? David Brooks believes American culture generally – high and low – has now become “junkified.” Your highlights from today’s stories below. As usual, all the stories we collected below that.

  1. Rome’s Arch of Constantine Struck by Lightning
    Rome’s ancient Arch of Constantine was struck by lightning during a violent storm, causing significant damage to the iconic structure. The event has raised concerns about the preservation of historic landmarks in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather. Read more on Reuters.
  2. Seattle Theatres in Crisis
    Seattle’s theatre scene is undergoing major changes as several companies launch emergency fundraisers and implement staff layoffs to survive. Some theatres are even considering mergers in response to the ongoing financial strain. Read more on Seattle Times.
  3. Philadelphia Fringe Festival Names New CEO
    The Philadelphia Fringe Festival has appointed Nell Bang-Jensen as its new CEO, succeeding founder Nick Stuccio. Her leadership signals a new chapter for the festival, a major event in the city’s cultural calendar. Read more on WHYY.
  4. AI-Generated Music Challenges the Industry
    AI is increasingly being used to create music, sparking debate about the future of creativity. While some view it as a tool to enhance artistic possibilities, others worry about the loss of human emotion and originality in compositions. Read more on The Guardian.
  5. Metropolitan Opera Faces Labor Dispute
    The Metropolitan Opera is confronting labor disputes as negotiations with the union representing its orchestra and chorus reach a stalemate. The outcome could have significant implications for the upcoming season. Read more on The New York Times.

Have a great weekend.

Doug

Latest Stories

Arizona Opera Finds Its New General Director Close To Home

“Arizona Opera took its search for a new leader international only to find the ideal candidate a few miles from its downtown Phoenix headquarters. The … company named Brian DeMaris, the artistic director of Arizona State University’s music theater and opera program, on Thursday to be its president and general manager.”...

Who/What Should Win Tonys, Statistically Speaking

 Every year, I run a statistical model based on precursor awards, which categories a show is nominated in, blended critic predictions, and betting markets to project the odds that each nominee will emerge victorious in every category. - The Hollywood Reporter

Doubts About Colleges?

The college wage premium is still high, which means that it’s still beneficial to get a degree. But for whom, exactly? - The Atlantic (MSN)

Premium

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (USA) seeks Director of Marketing and Communications

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (USA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Marketing Director, available in the summer, 2025.

President/CEO- OPERA America

OPERA America seeks an accomplished, innovative, & collaborative strategist to lead this essential national service organization as President/CEO advocating for the opera field

Classifieds

Project STEP seeks Executive Director

The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive of Project STEP, working in...

Chief Philanthropy Officer – Kansas City Ballet

Kansas City Ballet seeks a collaborative, data-driven philanthropy executive to foster donor relationships, and champion accessible, world-class dance.

Manhattan Theatre Club seeks Director of Learning & Community Engagement

The Director of Learning and Community Engagement will be an innovative thought leader, strong collaborator, and skillful public advocate, with a fervent commitment to community engagement and relationship development.

Opera Colorado: Director of Advancement

Opera Colorado seeks a dynamic, experienced, and strategic communicator and fundraiser to lead the next chapter of the company’s growth.

Folger Shakespeare Library seeks Director of Learning & Education Programs

The Director of Learning and Education Programs will lead the strategic development and implementation of educational programs that support local, national, and digital engagement with Shakespeare and the early modern world.

Executive Director – Goh Ballet

Goh Ballet Canada is seeking an accomplished and visionary Executive Director to lead its strategic and operational initiatives, ensuring the ongoing success and sustainability.

Artis–Naples seeks Vice President, Marketing & Sales

The Vice President, Marketing and Sales (VP-MS) leads all earned revenue activities at Artis—Naples, overseeing approximately $18 million in earned revenues.
function my_excerpt_length($length){ return 200; } add_filter('excerpt_length', 'my_excerpt_length');