After months with no restrictions and no locally transmitted cases of COVID, the appearance of one new patient has prompted Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to close all performances, museums, film and TV production, and most businesses for three days (seven in Auckland). - AP
Universities, more than any other institution, shape our conception of what constitutes worthwhile knowledge. Therefore, if we want philosophy to thrive in the contemporary university, we will need to clearly articulate a very different vision of what a university is for. - The Point
Yes, it was devastating - and it also opened up the arts to many who couldn't access them before. How do we keep shows relevant and accessible to all? - FastCompany
At least, according to the Edinburgh Book Festival's director, who says, "One thing is for certain, we are not going back to the festivals of 2019." - BBC
Mark Ball, currently Creative Director of the Manchester International Festival, will be directing the programming at the British capital's equivalent of Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. - Arts Professional (UK)
"Beginning with a national summit on August 26, a series of integrated events — from conferences to town halls to immersive pop-up experiences — are designed to spark conversations nationally, regionally, locally, and among friends and family." - Smithsonian Magazine
For some in a city with a population of only around 500,000, a break from the Fringe last year, followed by a much smaller festival this year — one that doesn’t clog up roads and sidewalks, or cause short-term rents to skyrocket — has been welcomed. - The New York Times
"If the 'wokeism is killing comedy' crew are motivated by a genuine devotion to great comedy, then they can relax, because it is in rude health when it comes to risk-taking, boundary-pushing content." - The Guardian
The arts-dependent Cape Cod town got clobbered by last year's lockdowns, but with vaccination rates up and caseloads down this summer, the scene joyfully geared up — until it was hit with a cluster of "breakthrough" COVID cases among people who'd had their shots. - The New York Times
"While the pandemic magnified the already apparent need for young people to develop artistic and employable media arts skills, calls for racial justice showed the imperative for adults to provide movement-building support and guidance to young people." - Philanthropy News Digest
Little Island discombobulates many of the ways in which the body physically adapts itself to the pulse of the city. You are neither busy nor bored. - Washington Post
Same dance, different day, eh, hoss? Just wanted to remind you that your membership is expiring soon. So we’re kind of getting down to the wire here. - The New Yorker
Be careful what you wish for. To anyone who has been conscious of race for a lifetime, these books can’t help feeling less brave than curiously backward. - The Atlantic
The latest in questionable use of an artist's likeness or image, and/or voice, after death: "A hologram of Whitney Houston will perform a six-month Las Vegas residency beginning in October 2021." - CBC
