“(The judge) ruled against Equity’s claim that Spotlight is an employment agency … (and) concluded that Spotlight, a website widely used by U.K. talent and casting agents, is a directory service.” Spotlight said afterward, “We strongly believe that Equity launched cynical, performative and expensive legal proceedings against Spotlight as a publicity stunt.” - Variety
It turns out there are arts administrators — some of them right here in California — who understand the importance of innovative creative leadership. They understand that the key to attracting audiences in both the short and long term is to offer them something exciting and different and worth their attention, rather than warmed-over retreads. - San Francisco Chronicle
“We need to rebuild it from the ground up. I believe AI can help us do that, because as it lowers the cost threshold to produce stuff, and as every month goes by, it lowering it and lowering it, we can do more for less, and we can hopefully retain more ownership of those projects." - The Guardian
“Kokuho, which means ‘national treasure,’ has already grossed more than 10 billion yen ($68 million), making it the second-highest grossing Japanese live-action film of all time. ... It stars heartthrobs Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, who portray longtime rivals and soulmates. They are both Kabuki ‘onnagata’ actors, (who) specialize in women roles.” - AP
Is it the idea that the art museum as we’ve understood it is under genuine existential threat, a relic of a battered Enlightenment worldview? Or is it the decision by so many museums in a period of extreme flux, by charging ahead with expansion plans by the dozen, to pretend that nothing has changed? - The New York Times
Is it time for Hollywood to concede that a lot of moviegoers in North America are never coming back? That movie theaters have permanently lost 20 to 25 percent of their customers? Those questions, which started as horrified whispers in studio hallways last year, have become more openly discussed in recent months. - The New York Times
In the end it comes down to a simple question. Western classical music as a living art form – do we want it or not? If not, then that is, of course, our prerogative. - Engelsberg
“After years of giving millions of dollars to literacy programs, bookstore employees and librarians, James Patterson has now launched an initiative on behalf of emerging authors: … (the) ‘Go Finish Your Book’ campaign. Authors each will receive up to $50,000 to help them complete their manuscript.” - AP
Turns out the walls are easier to drill into, and to accurately level the art being hung, than drywall. What’s more, they can be colored, when desired, with a special glazing technique developed by a friend of Peter Zumthor, the new building’s architect. - Los Angeles Times (Yahoo!)
The Nation’s Newspaper checks out the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, and National Portrait Gallery — and asks about four dozen museumgoers for their own opinions. - USA Today
“In a social media post, Atwood wrote that since her famed work was no longer permissible in Alberta schools, she had written a ‘suitable’ short work for teens. … The extremely brief story traces the lives of John and Mary, two ‘very, very good’ children.” - The Guardian
“Two activists, representing the campaign group Futuro Vegetal, targeted the basilica on Sunday, August 31, spraying the colored powder over a column while shouting ‘climate justice.’ … (They were protesting) what they call the Spanish government’s failure to act on this summer’s record wildfires.” - Artnet
Hundreds of these dances, known as emotes, have been released on Fortnite, where players can buy them for a few dollars each. Epic Games, Fortnite’s creator, says it pays the dances’ creators, but some choreographers beg to differ, and the company has been sued multiple times. - The New York Times
The 61-year-old Finn, currently Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, takes up his post in Ottawa one year from now. He succeeds Alexander Shelley, who departs next summer. - Ottawa Citizen (Yahoo!)
