ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: Why is there a story about antitrust and attempts to break up Big Tech companies in AJ today? Because these leviathans have gotten so big and so powerful that they determine what culture gets seen and shared and by whom. And they have far too much power.

  • First Female Director Appointed at the Louvre in 230 Years Laurence des Cars has made history as the first woman to be appointed director of the Louvre in its 230-year history. Read more in Le Monde.
  • Ancient Greek Shipwreck Yields New Artifacts in the Aegean Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of new artifacts from an ancient Greek shipwreck in the Aegean Sea, including bronze statues and ceramics, providing new insights into ancient Mediterranean trade routes. Read more in National Geographic.
  • China Overtakes the US in Box Office Revenue For the first time in history, China’s annual box office revenue has surpassed that of the United States, signaling a significant shift in the global entertainment industry. Read more in Variety.
  • Europe’s Top Art Collectors Face Backlash Over Climate Activism Some of Europe’s leading art collectors are under fire for their support of climate activism while continuing to profit from industries tied to fossil fuels. This growing controversy highlights the tension between art patronage and environmental responsibility. Read more in The Art Newspaper.
  • Controversy Surrounds New AI-Powered Art Critic A new AI-powered platform designed to critique art has sparked debates about the role of artificial intelligence in the art world. Read more in Wired.

As usual – the rest of the stories we collected are below. Share this newsletter with someone who might be interested. Have a great weekend.

Doug

Latest Stories

An Ethnomusicologist Analyzes Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby”

Prof. Michael O’Brien discusses why we listen to so many of the same songs year after year, the unusual appeal of “Santa Baby,” and why Eartha Kitt’s version is so much better than Madonna’s (or anyone else’s). - The Post and Courier (Charleston)

The Woeful State Of Arts PR. Here’s Why It Matters

On the inside of my job, lousy PR is one of the biggest signs that an institution is struggling. Outreach goes ignored, follow-up is late and flustered, and media events suffer. - Broad Street Review

The Collective Who’s Transforming Ballet In France’s Second City

“(LA)HORDE is a choreographic collective running the National Ballet of Marseille and rewriting the ballet rulebook for a new era. Their work blends classical techniques with surprising influences, from queer nightlife to the political history of social dance.” - BBC (video)

Premium

Fall 2026 Applications Open for MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises

Earn your Master’s in One Year. Northwestern University’s MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises (MSLCE) program develops leaders across Entertainment, Media and the Arts.

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.

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

Director of Marketing and Communications – Broadway in Hollywood & the Hollywood Pantages Theatre via TOC Arts Partners

Broadway in Hollywood and the Hollywood Pantages Theatre seek an energetic, driven, and forward-thinking Director of Marketing and Communications.

Music Director, Dance, Vassar College

The Music Director is the key resource for the students, faculty and staff of the Vassar College Dance Department.

Director of Development for Texas Ballet Theater

Texas Ballet Theater seeks a creative, hands-on Development Director to lead annual fundraising efforts and prepare for a capital campaign.

PEM, Director of Exhibition Design

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, seeks a Director of Exhibition Design to lead its Exhibition Design Department

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Arts Administration

The Arts Administration program at Elon University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position that begins in August 2026.

Executive Director, Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach

The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach (CMSPB) is known for performances and educational programs of the highest artistic merit.

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.
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