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A24’s new AI-generated apocalyptic posters for the new movie Civil War spark backlash.
A24 released a series of visually striking but misleading AI-generated posters for its new film Civil War, depicting apocalyptic scenes from major U.S. cities that do not appear in the movie, which sparked confusion and criticism over false advertising. These images, costing around $50 million to produce, have also faced backlash for inaccuracies and the use of AI in their creation, highlighting ongoing controversies in the film community about AI-generated content. Despite the promotional missteps, Civil War opened strongly, earning $25.7 million in its first weekend, indicating that the film’s marketing, though contentious, generated significant public interest.
Tech workers are continuing to leave San Francisco to cities like Austin and New York.
Austin’s tech workforce expanded more rapidly than any other U.S. metro area from 2019 to 2023, highlighting a broader trend of burgeoning second-tier tech hubs that include cities like Seattle and Boston. Despite facing stiff competition and substantial layoffs, the San Francisco Bay Area maintained its leading position in AI talent, housing 35 percent of the country’s specialists in the field. New York City attracted the largest portion of relocating tech workers, with its tech sector workforce growing more than 40 percent during the same period, echoing similar growth patterns in major firms across New York and Los Angeles.
Weiss/Manfredi unveils a subtle yet sweeping renovation of the Tampa Museum of Art.
The Tampa Museum of Art, originally founded in 1920, faced design challenges shortly after moving into its new 66,000-square-foot space in 2010, which was crafted by architect Stanley Saitowitz and criticized for its lack of engagement with its surroundings. Weiss/Manfredi took over the museum’s renovation in 2018, aiming to preserve Saitowitz’s design while expanding educational and exhibition spaces, increasing gallery areas from 14,800 to 43,000 square feet and education spaces from 1,400 square feet to more than 12,000. The renovation emphasizes community engagement and education while addressing practical issues like flood risks and improving visitor experience, with plans to further enhance the museum with a new 51,000-square-foot wing slated for completion in fall 2026.
Rikers Island unveils a mural by Dindga McCannon that aims to uplift outgoing inmates.
Rikers Island has unveiled a mural by acclaimed artist Dindga McCannon and inmates, commissioned by Correctional Health Services to enhance the Reentry Services Center, a pivotal point for detainees upon release. McCannon’s mural, her first in a correctional facility, embodies the message of a new beginning for those exiting prison, and is supported by the NYC Health + Hospitals’ expanding Arts In Medicine program.
The National Portrait Gallery reveals the shortlist for its prestigious annual painting prize.
Isabella Watling, Antony Williams, and Catherine Chambers have been shortlisted for the National Portrait Gallery’s annual painting prize, which is now in its 42nd year. Watling’s entry, a portrait named Zizi of her friend in a pink dress, reflects her meticulous approach to capturing fabric and form, while Williams combines portraiture with still life in Jacqueline With Still Life, which uses egg tempera. Chambers’ piece, called Lying, captures a friend in a relaxed, introspective pose in Lalibela, Ethiopia, conveying themes of vulnerability and aspiration influenced by her strong ties to the country.
Today’s attractive distractions:
An overdue book gets returned to a Fort Collins library after more than a century.
An immersive new museum in Kansas City lets kids explore their favorite books.
Orlando Whitfield shares his story about being best friends with Inigo Philbrick.
Almost a year after Barbie hit theaters, how many brand collabs is too many?
