ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: So what defines success of an artistic project? How many tickets or books it sells? In the book industry this is an existential question for first-time novelists. Without “success” out of the gate, it’s difficult to get another book published. But the definition of what first-time success is keeps changing. More here. Here are more highlights from today’s stories:

  1. Navigating the Complexities of Art Repatriation “The journey of cultural artifacts from Western museums back to their countries of origin is fraught with legal, ethical, and logistical challenges. This deep dive explores recent high-profile repatriations and the ongoing debates they spark about cultural heritage and historical justice.” – Artnet
  2. Why Some Schools In Los Angeles Can’t Access Prop 28’s Extra Arts Education Funding “A report from the nonprofit Arts for LA says that while many schools in California are taking full advantage of the funding offered, other schools are not — simply because they don’t have the necessary infrastructure or can’t find qualified teachers.” – MyNewsLA
  3. Art Fairs Are Strangling The Gallery Ecosystem “Smaller and midsize galleries are caught in a vicious cycle: they can’t afford to participate in top fairs, yet they can’t afford to miss them. Today, half of all gallery sales happen at fairs, double the rate of just ten years ago.” – Artnews
  4. How Does Someone Become the “Voice Of A Generation”? “What’s behind this phenomenon is generational thinking. It seems to be everywhere at the moment, providing the media with easy taglines, spreading cliches and unnecessarily sowing division. But its history goes back far beyond even the baby-boomers.” – The Conversation
  5. Exploring the Intersection of AI and Classical Music Composition “This article discusses the innovative ways in which composers are incorporating artificial intelligence into classical music composition, opening up new possibilities for creativity and performance.” – Classical Music

Jump down to see all the stories we’ve collected in the past day. See you tomorrow.

Doug

Latest Stories

“Nothing Is Too Extravagant For Christ” — This May Be America’s Most Over-The-Top Christmas Pageant

The 17,000 costume pieces are the least extravagant feature of The Gift of Christmas, the annual spectacular presented by Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas. On the 300-foot stage are LED screens, lasers, fireworks, trapezing elves, flying angels, and 21 animals. (And yes, shepherds, three kings, and the Holy Family. And...

Why Did So Many Art Galleries Close This Year?

Overall, when it came to galleries, the dominant vibe was one of endings more than beginnings—and it continued a building drumbeat. Those who closed or significantly downsized in 2025, after all, joined others that have expired in previous years. - ARTnews

Archaeologist Discovers A Pharaoh’s “Valley Temple”

“Nyuserra’s sun temple, which is located in Abu Ghurab about 10 miles south of Cairo, was composed of two parts: the previously excavated upper temple and the valley temple (alongside the Nile), which Massimiliano Nuzzolo began work on in 2024.” - Artnet

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.

Classifieds

Pewabic Pottery seeks next Executive Director

Pewabic Pottery, one of the oldest continuously operating potteries in the country & now a nonprofit in Detroit, MI seeks its next Executive Director.

Director of Development for Texas Ballet Theater

Texas Ballet Theater seeks a creative, hands-on Development Director to lead annual fundraising efforts and prepare for a capital campaign.

PEM, Director of Exhibition Design

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, seeks a Director of Exhibition Design to lead its Exhibition Design Department

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.
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