ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

ISSUES

Ireland Will Make Its Guaranteed Basic Income For Artists Permanent

Unfortunately, it’s not for all artists. There will be 2,000 stipends available, with applications opening in September of 2026 and qualified applicants (who may work in visual arts, performing arts, literature, film or architecture) selected at random. The payment will be €325 (currently $377) per week, roughly $19,600 per year. - ARTnews

Cultural Boycotts Are Ripping UK Arts Organizations Apart

This fraught debate has pitted artists who are broadly in agreement against each other. “There’s so much energy being spent ripping ourselves to shreds that arguably could be repurposed and deployed to Nigel Farage or Keir Starmer." - The Guardian

Across B.C., Arts Organizations Large And Small Are Struggling

“As rising costs hit British Columbians in all areas of life, advocates say arts organizations across the province are struggling to keep up.” - CBC

To Be An Artist In Canada Is To Be Prisoner Of Subsidy

Even if an artist can afford to turn up their nose at it, the entire structure that allows them to show, see, and otherwise participate in the arts is so enmeshed with government money that rejecting it individually is as meaningless as refusing to eat Madagascar vanilla to help with your carbon footprint. - The Walrus

How Small Arts Organizations Do Fundraisers Without Fancy Gala Soirées

In Houston, smaller groups who can’t afford the big upfront costs of galas get quite inventive with their benefit events. - Houstonia Magazine

American Education Is In A Desperate State. It Is Failing Its Students

We are now seeing what the lost decade in American education has wrought. By some measures, American students have regressed to a level not seen in 25 years or more. - The Atlantic

Chicago Arts Leaders Ask The Mayor For An Arts Leader With The ‘Gumption’ To Stand Up To The Federal Government

“My hope is that the administration continues to recognize how important artists and culture workers are to telling the story of Chicago and to making Chicago the kind of beautiful, vibrant place that we’re all fighting for.” - Chicago Sun-Times

Apparently, Some People In The US Have A Deep Love For The Toppled Christopher Columbus Statues

“Many of the statues have been revived with the help of Italian American groups, who cherish Columbus as a figure their ancestors embraced as a hero of the diaspora.” But generally, they’re not being returned to public lands. - The New York Times

Cleveland State University Just Closed A Decades-Old College Radio Station For No Apparent Reason

“A student-run radio station trains kids to do all sorts of things. It’s the engineering, it’s the on air, it’s the music, it’s the running it, the managing of it. And it’s all gone now.” - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Smithsonian Museums, National Zoo Close Amid Federal Shutdown

The Smithsonian museums “had been able to keep their doors open for the first 11 days of the shutdown by relying on prior-year funds, but those coffers have since run dry.” - NPR

After A Very Rough 2024-25, Nashville’s Arts Funding Agency Is Finding Its Way Back On Track

“As the Metro Arts Commission works its way back from several years of instability, it’s hoping the more than $3.2 million in grants it’s awarded for the 2026 fiscal year will be a sign of progress.” Most stakeholders seem to be relieved, though there’s one in particular which is still unhappy. - The Tennessean

How Artists Are Incorporating AI Into Traditional Work (And Ideas)

While A.I. speeds along, upending any number of careers and lives, some in the art world have chosen to embrace it while also, in a sense, subverting it. These artists integrate A.I., gaming and other tech-heavy aesthetics into their work. - The New York Times

The World’s Digital Infrastructure Runs On American Technology. Europe Wants To Reclaim Its Sovereignty

In the 21st century, those who control digital infrastructure control the conditions of possibility for democracy itself. Europe faces a choice: build sovereign technological capacity or accept digital colonization. - Noema

Chicago’s Commissioner Of Cultural Affairs Resigns After 18 Turbulent Months

“From the beginning, Clinée Hedspeth’s tenure was marked by turmoil. Eighteen percent of the department turned over in her first six months. … Before reaching her year anniversary, Hedspeth faced bullying accusations from several staffers. By spring, many artists were openly calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to address the dysfunction.” - WBEZ (Chicago)

Future Of Chicago’s Only Arts-Focused Public High School Is Suddenly In Doubt

Citing “unsustainable” deficits, the board that oversees the Chicago High School for the Arts has decided not to renew its contract with Chicago Public Schools and will cease operating the school after next spring. ChiArts is a privately managed contract school – similar to a charter – funded by public and donor dollars. - WBEZ (Chicago)

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