Kevin Young, who succeeded founding director Lonnie Bunch (now secretary of the entire Smithsonian) in 2021, has been on personal leave for an “undetermined period” since March 14 — two weeks before Trump’s notorious “improper ideology” executive order, which explicitly cited the African-American Museum. - The Washington Post (MSN)
“On Tuesday morning, managers told staff members that DOGE had recommended reductions in staff of as much as 70 to 80 percent (of approximately 180 people), as well as ... a cancellation of all grants made under the Biden administration that have not been fully paid out.” - The New York Times
I’d argue that the reason might have gone beyond a commitment to equity, diversity and social justice. It might have been an investment in the future of art forms championed by the center that have long seen a decline in new audiences and were becoming known for attracting older white crowds. - Los Angeles Times
It's been almost two months since the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena, including several noted historic and cultural landmarks like this one, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. - NPR
Alex Mahon told MPs that if the government pursues its proposed plan to give AI companies access to creative works unless the copyright holder opts out, it would put the UK creative industries in a “dangerous position”. - The Guardian
Marc Bamuthi Joseph: “Monday afternoon we began to construct a plan, because we engage with scores of arts organizations, and it’s not easy given … those fully-executed contracts to just say, ‘OK, this s— don’t exist no more.’ … Then the leadership decided that it was gonna happen that day.” - San Francisco Chronicle (MSN)
“Staffers at the Kennedy Center are bracing for more cuts following the dismissal of several employees and a message from administrators that the performing arts center is in poor financial shape, a claim several of them dispute.” - The Washington Post (MSN)
“According to a statement from AFGE Local 3403, which represents IMLS workers, the agency's staff was notified by email about being placed on paid administrative leave for 90 days after a ‘brief meeting between DOGE staff and IMLS leadership.’ Employees had to turn in government property, and email accounts were disabled.” - NPR
For instance, at the destroyed Zane Grey estate: “How to rebuild the site in a way that preserves Grey's legacy while protecting it from the inevitable future fires and other disasters resulting from the impacts of human-caused climate change?” - NPR
The band Guster, “no fans of the current administration, played uplifting, poppy tunes (backed by the National Symphony Orchestra) at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall … while subtly — and then not so subtly — protesting the venue’s new management.” - Washington Post (MSN)
Looks like … maybe? “Ticketmaster may have misled fans, some of whom paid more than £350 for tickets with a face value of £150, in the way it priced tickets for comeback gigs this year.” - The Guardian (UK)
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apologised on Friday after hundreds of its members criticised it for not supporting Oscar-winner Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian who was recently detained by Israeli settlers.” - BBC
"When I was coming up in the ranks, no one ever talked about the complicated ethics of fundraising. How do you decide when to say no to that check because it comes with strings attached, or … you take the money and you hold your nose?" - Nieman Storyboard
“President Trump signed an executive order Thursday aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution and removing what he deems ‘improper ideology’ from its museums, education and research centers and the National Zoo.” - Axios
