ISSUES

What An Elite College Degree Really Buys

So the people who go to the fanciest colleges tend to have the most successful careers—this is not exactly news. The question of why this is the case, however, is surprisingly tricky to answer. - The Atlantic

Honestly, Who Would Serve On The Smithsonian’s Advisory Board Right Now?

Also, what’s that board going to look like once the president gets finished with it? “Smithsonian officials declined to comment on the appointment process, and offered no explanation for the delays.” - The New York Times

The Increasing Accusations That Everything Is Made With AI

“Solutions like Proudly Human and Not by AI aim to be broader, covering published text, visual art, videography, and music, but the verification processes being used by these services can be questionable.” (Archive Today version here.) - The Verge

PayPal And Other Online Payment Systems Seem To Be Silencing Media Sites They Don’t Like

“Payment services don’t have any incentive to consider the value of controversial and unpopular speech or how it may benefit our society.” - LitHub

Clowns March Through Bolivia’s Capital To Protest New School Law

“The (fully-costumed) clowns gathered in front of the Ministry of Education in La Paz to oppose a decree published in February. The new mandate says schools must give 200 days of lessons each year — effectively banning schools from hosting the special events where these entertainers are frequently employed.” - AP

Documents: Ticketmaster Raised Fees After All-In Pricing Was Forced On It

The Federal Trade Commission last May began requiring Ticketmaster to disclose concert ticket fees upfront – a practice known as all-in pricing. But documents obtained by the Guardian in public records requests show how Ticketmaster simply raised other fees so it wouldn’t lose money. - The Guardian

Australian Lawmakers Are Trying To Understand What The Arts Need

Last week, the Federal Government’s recently established Parliamentary Inquiry into Arts and Cultural Philanthropy held its first significant hearing. - ArtsHub

Smithsonian Board Seats Left Vacant Amid Pressure From Trump’s White House

“A month after the terms of two Smithsonian trustees ended, their replacements have yet to be named as the traditional process of filling its governing Board of Regents has slowed in the wake of President Trump’s efforts to gain control of the institution.” - The New York Times

Denver’s Arts District Is Thriving. Here’s Who Keeps It Running And How.

“As of January, the RiNo Art District has split from the business and infrastructure groups it once operated alongside. Now, three separate entities share responsibility for the area. … Each has its own boss, board, budget and mission. Together, the three groups still shape the district with a shared vision.” - Denverite

University Of Syracuse Cuts Almost 100 Programs

In all, 93 of the 460 academic programs at the school will be closed or paused, meaning that no new students will be able to enroll in those majors. Coursework in the areas will still be offered, and minors in many of the subjects will continue to be available. - The New York Times

Growing Recognition: Our Arts Models Need Reinvention

We now operate in a landscape of cultural abundance – of content, of participation and of alternative platforms for meaning-making (if not direct investment). Yet many institutions continue to move at a different tempo, governed by inherited structures that assume a kind of centrality that no longer exists. The result is not just inefficiency, but misalignment. - ArtsHub

Australia’s New Idea For Arts Funding

Creative Australia is testing a new model for financing organisations to be named the Creative Industries Impact Fund, by working with donors to raise capital against government funds. - AAP

Judge Halts Construction Of Trump’s White House Ballroom

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” Judge Leon wrote in a 35-page ruling issued Tuesday afternoon. - Washington Post

This Canadian Province Is Increasing Arts Funding To An All-Time High

The Alberta government’s provincial budget includes a record C$40.1 million allocated to the arts, including C$38.1 million (up C$3.5 million from last year) to funding body Alberta Foundation for the Arts. - Calgary Herald

New York’s Iconic Symphony Space To Get A Makeover

When the venue reopens in 2028, after a 15-month closure that begins at the end of this year, an updated version of its signature metal marquee will hang above Broadway again. But the interior will be completely renovated, and its many eccentricities addressed, in time for its 50th anniversary. - The New York Times

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