The Romanian government says the Saint Sebastian is “part of its national art collection was removed from the country in 1947. That year, the country’s last king, Michael I, went into exile after being forced from power by Communist forces.” - The New York Times
The so-called “ink knights” were deeply into the spy game. “What’s stronger than the sword? Apparently a humble aspect, a high tolerance for cocktail party talk, and a library card.” - LitHub
Hockney would take friends “on a ‘Wagner Drive,’ something he devised as an opera-loving motorist. He’d drive up through Malibu Canyon to Mulholland Drive and then west to Decker Canyon, where he would time the turns and crests to the crescendos of the classical composition.” - Los Angeles Times (MSN)
Trump plans to announce the dismissal of multiple members of the Kennedy Center board as soon as today, a group likely to include recent appointees of former President Joe Biden. - The Atlantic
"In its full-year results for 2024 The New York Times Company reported ending the year with 10.8 million digital subscribers — an increase of 1.1 million (year-over-year). Of those 10.8 million subscribers, 3.5 million (or 32%) subscribed only to either its Games, Cooking, Wirecutter, Audio or The Athletic products." - Press Gazette (UK)
David Hajdu strives to refute the ages-old criticism that art made with machines is cold, soulless and artificial. In fact, he argues, machines have enabled radical new art forms, empowered marginalized communities and served as instruments of cultural change. - Washington Post
"Many theater lovers are hoping that (Matthias) Lilienthal’s appointment marks the end of a prolonged period of turmoil at the Volksbühne, which … in recent years has been plagued by scandal and tragedy, as well as vicious conflicts about its creative direction." - The New York Times
While India’s grandest state museum project of the 21st century forges ahead, crucial details remain unknown to both the public, as well as some of India’s leading museum figures. These include the proposed budget, plans for the current National Museum building and provisions to safeguard its collection. - The Art Newspaper
These changes won’t necessarily stop artists from making work or museums and galleries from showing work, but they could be forced to rethink how they operate. - Artnet
Funding cuts and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have pushed the venue towards fewer plays with extended runs, often featuring a high-profile name in order to fill seats – a move which Hare decried as “terrible impoverishment”. - The Guardian
"From day one I said: 'This has to be a company of virtuosos,'" says the former Royal Ballet star and current director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. "I want personalities, 'Look at me!' – that’s how I like it." - The Guardian
According to the report, employee confidence is low (scoring 51.2 out of 100), reflecting “growing concerns about job security and advancement opportunities”. Hence around half of respondents (35.7% of men and 64.3% of women) are actively seeking a new job. - The Art Newspaper
Pointing out its solecisms and caricatures is also a way of trying to find something concrete to hold on to in this gas giant of a film. The Brutalist isn’t really interested in ‘architecture’ – it’s interested in ‘big’ themes, which it engages with in a ‘big’ and wafty way. - Apollo
In addition to the layoffs, officials said that senior leadership will take salary cuts of 10 to 20 percent; the annual number of exhibitions would be reduced to an average of nine from an average of 12; and weeknight events with low attendance or inconsistent funding would be canceled. - The New York Times
"(His) swirling, psychedelic, instantly entrancing illustrations gave the rock mecca Fillmore East its signature look and contributed at least two of the greatest, most recognizable posters in modern Broadway history, for … Follies and Godspell." - Deadline
