Senators Whitehouse and Schumer Call for ‘Proactive Measures’ to Protect Philip Guston and Ben Shahn Murals

Senators Whitehouse and Schumer Call for ‘Proactive Measures’ to Protect Philip Guston and Ben Shahn Murals

Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Chuck Schumer have publicly called on the General Services Administration (GSA) to take immediate steps to protect significant New Deal-era murals by artists Philip Guston and Ben Shahn. Their letter expresses urgent concern over the potential sale or demolition of the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building in Washington, D.C., which houses these artworks, and questions the GSA's ability to safeguard the pieces once the building transfers to private ownership.

Participating Artists and Curators Push Back on Venice Biennale’s Relocation of Israeli Pavilion, Call for Exclusion of Russia, Israel, and US

Seventy-three artists and curators participating in the main exhibition of the 2024 Venice Biennale have issued an open letter objecting to the organizers' decision to relocate the Israeli national pavilion to the Arsenale. They argue this move creates an intimidating atmosphere contrary to the late curator Koyo Kouoh's vision of "radical solidarity" and will necessitate a heightened security presence. The signatories, which include key curators tasked with realizing Kouoh's exhibition, also call for the exclusion of Israel, Russia, and the United States from the event, citing their governments' alleged commission of war crimes.

UK National Gallery to recoup £2m a year after completing voluntary redundancy process

The National Gallery in London has successfully reached a target of £2 million in annual savings following a voluntary redundancy program and a recruitment freeze. Initiated in February to address a projected £8.2 million deficit, the voluntary exit scheme allowed the institution to avoid compulsory redundancies among its nearly 500 employees. While the gallery has met its initial savings goal, it must still find ways to bridge a remaining multi-million pound shortfall through non-staff cost reductions.

V&A Pulls Catalog Materials Due to Chinese Censorship Laws

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has admitted to removing maps and images from two exhibition catalogs following censorship demands from a Chinese printing firm. Documents revealed that C&C Offset Printing flagged content in the catalogs for the exhibitions "Music Is Black" and "Fabergé: Romance to Revolution" as violating Chinese law. The censored items included a 1930s map of British trade routes and a photograph of Vladimir Lenin, which the printer claimed could not be produced under Beijing’s strict regulations.

The Story of Art + Water

Author Dave Eggers and artist JD Beltran have launched Art + Water, a new initiative located at Pier 29 in San Francisco designed to bypass the traditional art school model. The program seeks to resurrect the historical artist-apprentice and atelier systems, providing students with practical skills and studio space without the prohibitive costs of modern higher education. By partnering with the Port of San Francisco and the Community Arts Stabilization Trust, the founders aim to revitalize the city's waterfront while offering a sustainable alternative to the current debt-heavy academic landscape.

Prominent German Art Foundation Accuses Top Culture Official of ‘Attempted Intimidation’

Jurors from the Kunstfonds Foundation, a major German contemporary art funding body, have accused Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer of attempted intimidation and political interference. The conflict erupted after Weimer requested the names of the independent jury members, a move the foundation views as a threat to artistic freedom. This follows a separate controversy where Weimer reportedly consulted domestic intelligence to exclude bookstores with left-wing leanings from a national award.

IMLS Spared in Legal Battle—But Threat of Budget Cuts Looms

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with the American Library Association and the AFSCME union, effectively halting President Donald Trump’s executive attempt to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Following a series of legal defeats where courts ruled that only Congress has the authority to eliminate federal agencies, the administration withdrew its appeal and reinstated previously terminated grants. However, the threat remains as the proposed 2027 federal budget once again seeks to zero out funding for the IMLS, the NEA, and the NEH.

V&A faces calls to become living wage employer on eve of Stratford opening

The Victoria and Albert Museum is facing intense pressure to become an accredited living wage employer just as it prepares to open its high-profile V&A East site in Stratford. A petition coordinated by Organise and Citizens UK has garnered over 21,000 signatures, calling on Director Tristram Hunt to ensure all staff and contractors receive the London living wage of £14.80 per hour. While the museum meets legal minimum wage requirements, campaigners argue that as a publicly funded institution, it must provide a wage that reflects the actual cost of living in the capital.

Why Do the Women Have to Be Naked?

"Warum müssen die Frauen nackt sein?"

A series of cultural controversies highlight growing tensions between artistic freedom and political pressure. In Germany, cultural minister Wolfram Weimer faces criticism for opaque funding decisions and alleged interference in jury processes, with critics arguing this undermines artistic freedom and free speech. Simultaneously, the European Media Art Festival in Osnabrück defends filmmaker Basma al-Sharif against accusations of antisemitism, illustrating how cultural funding can become a test of political ideology.

After The Complex: The Dublin Art Scene

The Complex, a major multi-artform venue in Dublin, was evicted from its warehouse building in January 2026 after its lease expired. A public campaign to save it, supported by politicians and cultural officials, failed due to a lack of legal mechanisms to protect grassroots cultural organizations. This closure follows a pattern of similar artist-led spaces folding in Ireland, most recently Ormond Studios.

Foreign Office Reprimands Goethe-Institut for Exhibition

Auswärtiges Amt rügt Goethe-Institut für Ausstellung

The German Foreign Office has formally reprimanded the Goethe-Institut for its involvement in an exhibition in Vilnius, Lithuania, featuring Palestinian-American artist Basma al-Sharif. The ministry stated that events organized by German cultural intermediaries must leave no doubt about the government's firm rejection of antisemitism and hatred of Israel, and demanded greater care in planning and conceptualizing such events with partners. The exhibition, "Bells and Cannons - Contemporary Art in Times of Militarization," was a collaboration between the Goethe-Institut Vilnius, the Contemporary Art Centre Vilnius, and the Berlin Academy of Arts.

An Urgent Call From Artists and Curators of the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2026

A group of seventy-four artists and curators participating in the 61st Venice Biennale have issued an urgent letter to the institution's leadership, including director Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The signatories are protesting the decision to relocate the Israeli Pavilion to the Arsenale, placing it in close proximity to the central exhibition, "In Minor Keys," which was conceived by the late curator Koyo Kouoh. The group argues that this relocation violates Kouoh’s curatorial vision of radical solidarity and introduces a threatening military and police presence into the exhibition space.

Smithsonian’s governing body quietly losing members

The Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents is shrinking, with two members' terms expiring in March and no replacements announced. A third regent's term expires next week, with three more set to end in the autumn, and there are no concrete plans to fill these vacancies. The delay stems from a requirement for both Congress and the President to approve new members.

An open letter to La Biennale di Venezia calls out inaction in the face of global atrocities

A group of 74 artists and curators invited to the 61st Venice Biennale have issued an open letter to the institution's president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The signatories are protesting the decision to relocate the Israeli Pavilion to the Arsenale, placing it in close proximity to the central exhibition 'In Minor Keys' curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. The letter demands the exclusion of official delegations from countries accused of war crimes—specifically Israel, Russia, and the United States—and accuses the Biennale of complicity through its silence on global atrocities.

Art Fund Launches ‘Empowering Curators’ Program for Global Majority Professionals

Art Fund, a British charity, launched the Empowering Curators program, a five-year initiative creating twenty multi-year curatorial roles for senior to mid-career professionals from global majority backgrounds. Ten initial fellows have been announced, with placements at major institutions including Tate Liverpool, the Whitworth Art Gallery, and Royal Museums Greenwich, where they will develop exhibitions, installations, and academic programs.

Major Corporate Sponsor Withdraws from Sydney Biennale, Citing Alleged Hate Speech

A major corporate sponsor, PwC, has withdrawn from the 25th Sydney Biennale following a police complaint alleging antisemitic hate speech by a participating DJ. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies filed the complaint against US electronic music producer Zubeyda Muzeyyen (DJ Haram) over comments made during the opening night party, which the Board claims incited hatred against Jewish Australians.

When a Palestinian Artist Asserts Her Own Humanity

Palestinian artist Basma al-Sharif faced a coordinated smear campaign and threats after being invited to screen her film "Morgenkreis" at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. The controversy erupted not over the film's content, but over her social media posts referencing Palestinian resistance and historical injustices, leading to demands from public officials and advocacy groups to cancel the event.

Germany Creates New Council to Oversee Returns of Looted Art

The German government has established a new council, the Coordination Council for Returns of Cultural Property and Human Remains from Colonial Contexts, to oversee the restitution of artifacts acquired during the colonial era. The council will include representatives from federal, state, and municipal authorities and is intended to provide a structured, national approach to handling these complex returns.

European Commission Tells Venice Biennale to ‘Clear Its Name’ Regarding Russian Pavilion or Risk Losing $2.3 M. Grant for 2028

The European Commission has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Venice Biennale, threatening to withdraw a €2 million ($2.3 million) grant for the 2028 edition unless the organization addresses concerns regarding the Russian Pavilion's inclusion in 2026. The Commission alleges that hosting a government-funded delegation violates EU sanctions and provides a cultural platform for Russian state interests amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Biennale's president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, must respond by May 11, just two days after the exhibition's public opening.

The Politics of Russia’s Return to the Venice Biennale

Russia has announced its intention to return to the Venice Biennale in 2026, marking its first participation since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The proposed pavilion, titled "The Tree is Rooted in the Sky," plans to feature 38 participants from Russia and several Global South nations. The announcement has sparked intense backlash from the European Commission and culture ministers across 22 countries, who argue that Russia’s presence undermines democratic values and serves as a tool for "dark cultural diplomacy."

English museums should only charge tourists if digital ID checks in place, UK politician says

Labour peer Margaret Hodge has detailed her proposal to introduce admission fees for overseas tourists at England’s national museums, stipulating that such a move must be preceded by a universal digital ID system. Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Hodge argued that without digital verification, museum staff might resort to profiling visitors based on appearance, which would undermine community cohesion.

Cultural Institutions in Beirut Suspend Operations Amid Escalating Conflict

Several major cultural institutions in Beirut have suspended public operations due to escalating regional conflict. The Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation, Sursock Museum, Dar El-Nimer for Arts & Culture, and Beirut Art Center have all paused programs following Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, which were a response to rocket attacks by Hezbollah.

Ministers consider charging tourists to access UK national museum collections

UK government ministers are exploring the possibility of charging international tourists for entry to the permanent collections of national museums. This proposal is part of a broader search for long-term funding solutions for the arts sector, outlined in the government's response to the Arts Council England review led by Margaret Hodge. The review also prompted commitments to simplify funding applications and protect the Arts Council from political interference.

Milan provides spaces to open 10 new neighborhood bookstores: the tender to open one

Milano mette a disposizione spazi per aprire 10 nuove librerie di quartiere. Il bando per aprirne una

The City of Milan has launched a public tender to open ten new neighborhood bookstores by repurposing vacant municipal properties. Part of the "Sefémm" program, the initiative offers spaces ranging from 30 to 190 square meters across various districts, including central and peripheral areas. The selection process will heavily prioritize the social and cultural impact of the proposals over financial bids, favoring micro-enterprises and independent operators who commit to creating community hubs.

US Government Submits Plans for Triumphal Arch to Commission

US-Regierung reicht Plan für Triumphbogen bei Kommission ein

President Donald Trump has submitted formal plans to the Commission of Fine Arts for a monumental triumphal arch to be located near Washington, D.C. Proposed to stand at 76 meters tall, the structure would significantly surpass the height of Paris's Arc de Triomphe. The project, which Trump describes as the "largest and most beautiful" in the world, is slated for a site near the Arlington Memorial Bridge leading to the Lincoln Memorial.

US-based dissident artist put on trial in China over satirical Mao sculptures, says rights group

Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, based in the US, has been tried in a closed-door court in China on charges of "defaming national heroes and martyrs" related to his satirical sculptures of former leader Mao Zedong. The one-day trial concluded without a verdict, and the artist faces up to three years in prison. His wife and young son, both US citizens, are under exit bans and unable to leave China.

Could Colorado Create the Country's First Artist Corporation?

Colorado legislators are considering a bipartisan bill to establish the nation's first Artist Corporation (A-Corp), a specialized limited liability company exclusively for artists. This legal framework aims to simplify incorporation, protect intellectual property rights, and allow artists to secure investors without ceding ownership of their creative output.

ACLU and anti-censorship group target UNT over art exhibit removal with mobile billboard

The ACLU of Texas and the National Coalition Against Censorship have deployed a mobile billboard to the University of North Texas (UNT) campus to protest the administration's removal of an art exhibition by Victor Quiñonez, known as Marka27. The show, titled “Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá,” was abruptly taken down in February after being open for only a week, with administrators later citing concerns that the artist's critiques of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could cause campus disruptions.

Antisemitic art may upset British Jews, but is it illegal? - analysis

British artist and critic Matthew Collings has sparked intense legal and ethical debate with his exhibition "Drawings Against Genocide" at Joseph Wales Studios in Margate. The show features graphic imagery, including depictions of Jewish figures consuming infants and denials of sexual violence committed on October 7, 2023. Despite calls from Israeli officials and Jewish community members for legal intervention, Kent Police have stated that no criminal offenses were identified, as the work is currently classified as political criticism rather than a direct incitement of racial hatred.

Unesco grants enhanced protection to 39 Lebanese heritage sites as war escalates

UNESCO has granted enhanced protection to 39 cultural heritage sites in Lebanon during an extraordinary session of its Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property. This designation, which prohibits targeting or military use of the sites, also unlocks over $100,000 in emergency funding for on-the-ground operations. The protected sites include the ancient Bekka Temple, the Lebanese National Library, and Barsbay Tower.