Leading Creatively Newsletter (April 6-12, 2026)
Welcome to Leading Creatively, a journal and newsletter where a non-profit arts leader and researcher takes a look at how arts and culture leaders balance mission, money, people, and public trust—while keeping creativity at the center.
Once-a-week I will share news, articles and video that have caught my attention, as well as job postings for arts and culture leadership positions.
The views expressed in Leading Creatively are my own and do not reflect my employer or consulting clients.
In the News:
Justice Dept. Resolves Broadway Touring Company Investigation, Michael Paulson, The New York Times
A U.S. Department of Justice investigation found that Broadway Across America engaged in anticompetitive agreements that restricted where rival producers could stage touring Broadway shows. The case was resolved through a non-prosecution agreement requiring the company to strengthen compliance practices and refrain from similar conduct in the future.
Why Bay Area Theaters are Embracing earlier Curtain Times, Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle
Bay Area theaters are increasingly shifting to earlier curtain times, responding to changing audience habits shaped by post-pandemic lifestyles, including preferences for earlier evenings and transportation limitations. While many patrons appreciate the convenience, the change can create challenges for those commuting longer distances or trying to fit in pre-show dining.
TimeLine Theatre moves into its new Home, Nearly a Decade in the Making, Stefano Esposito, WBEZ
TimeLine Theatre is opening a new $46 million, five-story home in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood after nearly a decade of fundraising, delays, and pandemic-related setbacks, marking a major upgrade from its long-time, cramped church space. The new building, set to debut with “An Enemy of the People,” expands seating and facilities, positioning the company for greater artistic growth and community engagement.
Balancing on Budget Tightropes, Guthrie, Mia, Walker bounce back, Rohan Preston, Star Tribune
Major Twin Cities arts institutions like the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Walker Art Center have returned to balanced budgets or small surpluses after pandemic-era deficits, helped by strong programming and recovering attendance. However, the broader arts ecosystem remains fragile, with ongoing financial pressures, shifting audience habits, and some organizations still struggling or closing despite signs of recovery.
Natural disasters and political instability hampered U.S. museum attendance in 2025, Chloe Veltman, NPR
A new report on the world’s most visited art museums shows global attendance rebounding to over 200 million visits in 2025, signaling a strong recovery from pandemic lows but still not fully reaching pre-2019 levels. It also highlights uneven trends, with some major institutions still lagging while newer museums and those in regions like Asia and the Middle East are drawing rapidly growing crowds.
Featured Report: An AI Roadmap for Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations, DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management
The DeVos Institute released a free 55-page AI roadmap offering practical guidance and real-world case studies to help arts organizations develop policies, identify use cases, and implement AI responsibly. Drawing on an 8-month research initiative with 16 organizations, it provides a structured path from early experimentation to strategic adoption, with reported gains in productivity and organizational capacity.
On Leadership:
CEO thought Leadership can Drive $367M in Value, Eleanor Hawkins, Axios
High-quality CEO communication can generate significant shareholder value—up to $367 million in a single week—highlighting how powerful clear, original messaging has become in modern leadership. The findings suggest that in an era of AI-generated content, authentic and strategic communication is emerging as a key differentiator for effective leaders.
Jamie Dimon Says Leaders Should Avoid Big Decisions on Fridays, Joseph Zeballos-Roig, Business Insider
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon advises leaders to avoid making major decisions at the end of the week, when fatigue and time pressure can lead to poor judgment. He emphasizes that emotional control and a strong sense of purpose are essential traits for consistent, effective leadership.
McKinsey Says AI Is Flattening Leadership Structures, Thomas Maxwell, Business Insider
A new playbook from McKinsey & Company argues that AI is enabling leaders to manage broader teams, reducing layers of middle management and accelerating decision-making. This “Great Flattening” signals a shift toward more agile, less hierarchical organizations.
Video:
What It Takes to Be a Great Leader, Roselinde Torres (TED)
Drawing on 25 years of observing executives, Torres outlines three essential questions that separate effective leaders from the rest. The talk focuses on adaptability, global perspective, and the ability to navigate change in uncertain environments.
