ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s Weekend AJ Highlights

Good morning. How can you believe anything anymore? AI has taken away the “proof” of a video. And seeing (or hearing) is definitely not believing anymore. Sociologists call it “deep doubt,” and being unable to truly believe in anything is destabilizing, not just personally, but for the wider culture. Ars Technica’s Benj Edwards explores the phenomenon. Meanwhile, here are the rest of today’s highlights:

  1. China’s Art Censorship Targets Contemporary Artists
    China’s increasing crackdown on contemporary art has forced many artists to go underground or leave the country entirely. This new wave of censorship is severely limiting creative expression. Read more on The New York Times.
  2. Is AI Creating a Crisis for the Art World?
    As AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, artists and curators are grappling with existential questions about the future of creativity. Is human input becoming irrelevant in the art world? Read more on The Guardian.
  3. Indigenous Artists Lead the Way in Climate Activism
    Indigenous artists from the Amazon to the Arctic are using their work to advocate for urgent climate action, blending cultural traditions with contemporary environmentalism. Their art is drawing attention to the devastating impacts of climate change on indigenous communities. Read more on BBC.
  4. Met Gala’s New Theme Sparks Controversy Over Colonial History
    The announcement of the Met Gala’s new theme, centered on colonial influences in fashion, has ignited a heated debate. Read more on Vogue.
  5. The Return of Live Theatre in Post-Pandemic New York
    New York’s theatre scene is experiencing a renaissance as audiences flock back to live performances post-pandemic. The industry is also facing new challenges, from inflation to shifting audience demographics. Read more on The Washington Post.

As usual, skip down to read the rest of the stories we collected this weekend. See you tomorrow.

Doug

Latest Stories

“Nothing Is Too Extravagant For Christ” — This May Be America’s Most Over-The-Top Christmas Pageant

The 17,000 costume pieces are the least extravagant feature of The Gift of Christmas, the annual spectacular presented by Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas. On the 300-foot stage are LED screens, lasers, fireworks, trapezing elves, flying angels, and 21 animals. (And yes, shepherds, three kings, and the Holy Family. And...

Why Did So Many Art Galleries Close This Year?

Overall, when it came to galleries, the dominant vibe was one of endings more than beginnings—and it continued a building drumbeat. Those who closed or significantly downsized in 2025, after all, joined others that have expired in previous years. - ARTnews

Archaeologist Discovers A Pharaoh’s “Valley Temple”

“Nyuserra’s sun temple, which is located in Abu Ghurab about 10 miles south of Cairo, was composed of two parts: the previously excavated upper temple and the valley temple (alongside the Nile), which Massimiliano Nuzzolo began work on in 2024.” - Artnet

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.

Classifieds

Pewabic Pottery seeks next Executive Director

Pewabic Pottery, one of the oldest continuously operating potteries in the country & now a nonprofit in Detroit, MI seeks its next Executive Director.

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.
function my_excerpt_length($length){ return 200; } add_filter('excerpt_length', 'my_excerpt_length');