ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

This Week’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: We collected 132 stories this week. That’s a lot to sort through, so here are some highlights. Jump down to see all the stories we posted.

  • Man Smashes Ai Weiwei Art at Show Opening in Rome
    A man vandalized a sculpture by Ai Weiwei at an art show in Rome, smashing the piece during the exhibition’s opening. The footage was shared on Ai Weiwei’s Instagram, sparking debates about the motivations behind art vandalism and the role of protest in contemporary art. Read more on Reuters.
  • More Than 10,000 Books Were Banned in the U.S. Last Year
    PEN America’s report revealed that book bans in the U.S. surged to over 10,000 last year. This censorship crisis highlights increasing cultural and political divides over access to literature in schools and public libraries. Read more on The Guardian.
  • World’s First AI Art Museum to Open in Los Angeles
    Refik Anadol, a pioneer in AI-generated art, is opening the first museum dedicated to AI art in downtown Los Angeles, across from Disney Concert Hall. This groundbreaking project marks a pivotal moment in the integration of technology and art. Read more on Los Angeles Times.
  • Extreme Candor: Pittsburgh Arts Council Admits Big Failures
    The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council has taken an unusual approach in its new strategic plan by openly acknowledging significant past failures. This transparent move is part of an effort to rebuild trust and foster stronger community support. Read more on WESA.
  • Why Is Executive Leadership in Dance Companies So Difficult?
    Leadership in dance companies remains a major challenge, with executives often cycling through multiple organizations. This ongoing leadership crisis has led to uncertainty and instability in an industry reliant on strong artistic and business acumen. Read more on Dance Magazine.

Till next week.

Doug

Latest Stories

World’s Third-Busiest Public Library Faces Job Cuts, Accusations Of “Digital Vanity Projects”

The State Library of Victoria in Melbourne is Australia’s busiest, yet a restructuring is eliminating 39 jobs — including reducing the number of public-facing reference librarians by 60%. Meanwhile the SLV has worked on “digital experiences” like a rotating 3D model of legendary outlaw Ned Kelly’s helmet. - The...

Two More Of Abu Dhabi’s Extravagant New Museums Have Opened

The Zayed National Museum, designed by Norman Foster’s architecture firm, is one of the five museums planned for Saadiyat Island, the emirate’s purpose-built cultural district. The Natural History Museum, designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo, features everything from meteorites to dinosaur skeletons to “Lucy.” - The Art Newspaper

The Takács Quartet To Lose Its Last Founding Member

Cellist András Fejér has been with the famed string quartet since its founding exactly 50 years ago. As of next September, Fejér will retire; replacing him will be Romanian-born cellist Mihai Marica. - Gramophone

Premium

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

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.

New York University, Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions, Performing Arts Administration-Non-Tenure Track Position

New York University, Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions, Performing Arts Administration-Non-Tenure Track Position

Director of Programming, Hult Center, Eugene, OR

Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. P.T. Accepting Online Applications Only Via the City of Eugene’s Website: Director of Programming | Job
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