ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Good morning

If you’ve read ArtsJournal for very long, you know I have a fascination with stories that explore how creativity works. This story from the magazine Psyche reports on a study that focused on the kinds of details people notice in the things around them. We all of us, of course, take in way more information than we can process. So our brains get good at prioritizing what’s important (and what’s not). It turns out that highly creative people notice (and presumably remember) different kinds of details than those who are considered less creative. Read more here. More highlights from today’s haul:

  • Benny Golson, Master Jazz Saxophonist and Composer, Dies at 95
    Benny Golson, the legendary jazz saxophonist and composer, passed away at 95. Known for his contributions to bebop and hard bop, Golson’s influence on jazz, especially through his work with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and The Jazztet, is unmatched. Read more on WRTI.
  • Stone-Eating Lichens Threaten Iran’s Ancient Persepolis
    The ancient ruins of Persepolis are being slowly eroded by stone-eating lichens, which dissolve the minerals in the stones. These biological threats are posing serious risks to one of Iran’s most iconic historical sites. Read more on MSN.
  • Firings at Dallas Black Dance Theatre Spark Debate on Generational Culture Clash
    The firing of the entire main company of dancers at Dallas Black Dance Theatre has sparked controversy, with allegations of union-busting and outdated management practices. Read more on KERA.
  • Visitorship at French Heritage Sites Returns to Pre-COVID Levels
    French heritage sites have seen a significant resurgence in visitors, with numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Read more on ARTnews.
  • 40% of U.S. Publishing Jobs Have Disappeared Since 1997
    A new report reveals that 40% of jobs in U.S. book publishing have vanished over the past 30 years, sparking concerns about the future of the industry. Read more on Publishers Weekly.

As usual, jump down to see the rest of today’s stories. Know someone who might like AJ? Send them this link to subscribe. Or visit the website to see all the stories we collect.

See you tomorrow.

Doug

Latest Stories

Harry Blitzstein, The “Consummate L.A. Painter,” Is Dead At 87

“(He) often noted that the difficulties of getting gallery shows, and the disappointments that often followed, led him to open (the Blitzstein Museum of Art), which he stocked with an ever-growing hodge-podge of his surreal, imaginative, sometimes dark, often playful, paintings.” - Los Angeles Times

Wikipedia Makes Licensing Deal With Big AI Companies

Wikipedia’s human traffic dropped 8% year-over-year, according to data the Wikimedia Foundation published in October 2025. Research from Profound analyzing 680 million AI citations found that Wikipedia accounts for 47.9% of ChatGPT’s top-10 most-cited sources. - Shelly Palmer

A Post-Fiasco Reset At Dallas Black Dance Theatre

That fiasco, during 2024-25, featured the firing of the dancers, loss of municipal funding, and a government-ordered overhaul of governance and employment practices. Now, with a new board, restored funding, and the search for a new executive director, DBDT is trying to rebuild its artistic work and public trust....

Premium

Seeking Senior Audience Services Manager for Box Office Operations

STG is seeking a highly skilled and successful candidate to provide strong leadership and oversee the smooth operation of the audience services department.

Finance Consultant – Arts FMS

Arts FMS is seeking a Finance Consultant with extensive experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in the arts sector.

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

Director of Artistic Operations

The Knights seek a Director of Artistic Operations to work with the Artistic Directors and Executive Director on high-level artistic planning and program implementation.

Handel and Haydn seeks President and Chief Executive Officer

Handel and Haydn provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary in the range of $275,000 to $325,000.

Overture Center for the Arts seeks Chief Financial Officer/Co-Chief Executive Officer

Overture Center for the Arts seeks Chief Financial Officer/Co-Chief Executive Officer. Overture Center offers a salary range between $170,000 and $185,000 with benefits.

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.
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