Commentary

Visual Art Commentary: Silence Is Complicity — Why Museums Must Use Their Voice to Defend Democracy

March 3, 2026
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At a moment when arts and culture, public education, historical memory, and American democracy itself are under coordinated attack, silence is not a neutral posture. It is a decision with consequences.

Theater Commentary: Theater for Young Audiences — What Role Can It Play In Saving Our Democracy?

February 25, 2026
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Meeting today’s challenge—harnessing the performing arts to prepare the next generation to sustain democracy—requires broader collaboration not only with schools and community partners but among TYA companies themselves.

Theater Commentary: Live Theater—An Incomparable Art Form

February 7, 2026
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Protecting live theater, along with the other arts that the NEA has supported, is urgent, and it begins, as it did with me, by loving theater, either as a regular member of the audience or as someone onstage or behind the scenes.

Design Review: The Look of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games

February 6, 2026
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The “Look” of the 2026 Games succeeds at what should be its elemental function — the connection of beauty, athleticism, celebration, and memory.

The 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll: The Institution Continues

January 12, 2026
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Onwards for an invaluable poll from a community of critics that gives us a map to an expansive world of jazz to explore — with hints at terra incognita.

The 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll: New Jazz Albums

January 12, 2026
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This was one of the closest New Jazz Albums contests ever.

The 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll: Rara Avis (Reissues/Historical)

January 12, 2026
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Since 2014, the category has been dominated by previously unreleased music, mostly live shots.

The 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll: Latin Jazz Albums

January 12, 2026
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While the intent of this category was to prod critics into exploring Latin Jazz, it has been dominated by a small number of artists.

The 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll: Debut Jazz Albums

January 12, 2026
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It takes a peculiar combination of talent and luck to win this category. By luck, I mean getting your one-and-only shot at a debut album enough promotion to be recognized.

The 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll — Meet the Voters

January 12, 2026
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By far, the hardest part of this job is rounding up voters.

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