Get to know these 5 unconventional galleries driving art forward in North Texas

A wave of independent, artist-run galleries is emerging across North Texas, operating out of unconventional spaces like houses, lofts, and apartments. Notable examples include PRP (Permanent Research Project) in a little white house in Trinity Groves, Nature of Things in a Deep Ellum loft, and 2 BED 1 BATH in an Oak Cliff apartment. These venues often face precarious funding and zoning issues, yet they persist, with some like 500X operating since 1978 and PRP for a decade. Recent exhibitions have addressed themes such as the treatment of bodies in visual culture and political commentary, including a protest show after the University of North Texas shut down an exhibition critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The historic Palazzo del Senato in Milan opens to the city: archives, illuminated courtyards, restaurants, exhibition spaces, and coworking

Lo storico Palazzo del Senato di Milano si apre alla città: archivi, cortili illuminati, ristoranti, spazi espositivi e coworking

The historic Palazzo del Senato in Milan, home to the State Archives, has opened its restored courtyards to the public on May 26, 2026, as part of a broader redevelopment project. The initiative, backed by public funds, private investments, and PNRR resources, includes the removal of architectural barriers, restoration of facades, and the future addition of a café, coworking areas, reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and a restaurant operated by the La Gioia Collection group. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Agenzia del Demanio.

From crime to culture. In Ville Couëlle opens the first museum of the Costa Smeralda

Dalla criminalità alla cultura. A Ville Couëlle apre il primo museo della Costa Smeralda

The former Ville Couëlle complex in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, an iconic example of organic architecture designed by French visionary Jacques Couëlle, has been officially transferred to the municipality of Arzachena after being seized from organized crime by Italy's National Agency for Seized and Confiscated Assets. The 37-million-euro property, spanning 30,000 square meters in the Abbiadori district, will be transformed into the first museum of the Costa Smeralda, featuring exhibition spaces, conference halls, educational labs, a bookshop, and a café.

Steve La Riccia’s journey through Eugene’s art scene

Steve La Riccia, gallery coordinator for the New Zone Art Gallery in Eugene, Oregon, is profiled for his decades-long journey through the local art scene. After traveling the West Coast and settling in Eugene in the 1970s, he worked at a food processing plant and sold illegal fireworks to buy a home. In 1991, after the Mayor's Art Show rejected many artists, La Riccia helped organize Eugene's first 'Salon De Refusés,' a show for rejected works, which shifted his focus from promoting his own art to supporting other artists. He later co-ran the New Zone gallery and became known for his SX-70 Polaroid manipulations until the company ceased film production in 2009.

Cultural centre in Mitchells Plain hosts first art exhibition

The Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain in South Africa will host its first-ever art exhibition on May 30, featuring two local Portland artists: Elton Arendse (Eltie Arts) and Noeraan Jordan Bardien (NJB Art and Design CPT). The show, titled 'Portland’s Own — Eltie Arts & NJB Art and Design CPT,' runs until June 30, with works available for purchase. The exhibition marks the first time the centre has dedicated its gallery entirely to artists from the Portland community, aiming to provide visibility for local creative talent.