I’m quoted in a story in the New York Times today about the dire financial problems at the Metropolitan Opera: “Some people doubt that an institution like the Met could ever close and think that with his usual aplomb, Gelb will produce a saving twist in his next act. “The stakeholders that care about the … Continue reading The Met Opera’s Financial Crisis: Three Takeaways from the New York Times Story
Nostalgia may be having a moment, but to say that’s all that audiences want is oversimplifying. A recent NY Times article flattens the current moment in regional theater and I analyze what it means for how we can understand audiences.
The Met Opera’s survival strategy raises urgent questions for the arts: what happens when institutions cling to scale at any cost, even if it means sacrificing integrity?
You’ve heard me make the arguments, now hear from some other folks. Seema R emphasizes social media’s shortcomings in museums, Andrew Patino offers theater marketing guidance, and two writers advocate for self-promotion in arts criticism, encouraging adaptation to evolving landscapes.
Pittsburgh’s theaters face a potential merger as audiences and funding shrink. Here’s what the crisis reveals about nonprofit theater nationwide—and why survival depends on bold changes, right-sizing, and community support.
Americans are reading less—but is that really a loss of curiosity, or just swapping books for Netflix and TikTok? The real question: why do people read?
Immersive art isn’t automatically profound — or shallow. Just like AI art, meaning depends on intent. Let’s look past blanket judgments and stay present to the experiences that truly resonate.
Cultural influence is a means of political power. Grassroots movements shape societal beliefs and policies. We need to actively engage in promoting inclusive art and culture to challenge regressive ideologies.
AI can replace background music and stock images—but not human-made art rooted in connection. Keeping it alive means showing up, paying attention, and valuing it before it disappears.
Continuing my advice on how to ride the cultural swing back to IRL experiences, here are three examples of memorable experiences that just have a good idea going for them.
Hannah Grannemann 