ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

This Week’s AJ Highlights

Good morning. Here are this week’s highlights:

  • Asheville’s Arts District Devastated by Flooding from Hurricane Helene
    Asheville’s River Arts District, home to galleries, studios, and performance spaces, was severely impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Artists and businesses are grappling with significant losses as they work to rebuild the city’s vibrant cultural hub. Read more on Hyperallergic.
  • Manchester Climate-Protesting Art Vandals Acquitted
    Two Just Stop Oil activists who glued themselves to the frame of a J.M.W. Turner painting were acquitted in Manchester. The court ruled that no lasting damage was caused, reigniting debates about art, protest, and the legal system’s handling of activism. Read more on Artnet.
  • Seeing Art in Person Sparks Far More Brain Activity than Reproductions
    A new study commissioned by the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague shows that viewing original artworks triggers ten times more brain activity than looking at reproductions. This research underscores the irreplaceable value of experiencing art firsthand. Read more on The Guardian.
  • The Black List Expands to Books
    The Black List, famous for identifying emerging screenwriters whose work has gone on to win Academy Awards, is now turning its focus to the publishing world. This expansion could bring a significant shake-up to how new writing talent is discovered. Read more on Wired.
  • Has Music Software Made Music Worse?
    Musician Billy Corgan argues that tools like Pro Tools have “leveled the playing field” in a way that has diluted musicianship, making it easier for people without talent to produce music. His critical take sheds light on the downside of technology’s impact on creativity. Read more on MusicTech.

As usual, jump down below to see stories we collected, arranged by topic.

See yiou next week.

Doug

Latest Stories

It’s Just Science: Some Christmas Music Really Tanks Productivity

Those who love torturing customers and co-workers alike might have to listen to the science. The fact is, Ariana Grande and Andy Williams are out. "On the other hand, Brenda Lee’s 'Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ emerged as the most productivity-friendly holiday track.” - Fast Company

Gehry Was The Rare Architect Who Also Changed Music

“The ‘Goldberg Variations’ was Gehry’s favorite work. He loved its otherworldliness and its worldliness. He loved its invitation to dance and to dream. He loved its astonishing sense of design, complex yet flowing with the ocean’s grace, its depth and its inviting surface.” - Los Angeles Times (Yahoo)

The Kennedy Center Under The 47th President: Emptier, Showier, Way More Political

“What is the Kennedy Center now? For one thing, it’s getting a Trumpian revamp. He ordered new marble and the repainting of the exterior columns in austere white. Portraits of the first and second couples now hang in the center’s Hall of Nations.” - Washington Post (MSN)

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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