Cash-Strapped Hong Kong Arts Hub Saved—Plus a Rundown of the Latest in Asia’s Art World
Hong Kong's financially struggling West Kowloon Cultural District, a major arts hub, has been rescued from its cash crisis. This development was part of a broader Asia art world update that also included leadership changes at Japan's Art Collaboration Kyoto and the announcement of a new art fair in Shenzhen.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has updated its 2026 fiscal year grant guidelines, cancelling the Challenge America grants that targeted underserved communities and replacing them with a focus on projects celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States (America250). The changes, announced in response to executive orders by President Donald Trump, eliminate DEI-related funding and require applicants to have a five-year history of arts programming. Organizations that had applied for the $10,000 Challenge America grants must now resubmit under the broader Grants for Arts Projects category, with extended deadlines.
Over 200 cultural figures, including musician Brian Eno and writer Laleh Khalili, have signed an open letter condemning the British Museum for allegedly removing the word "Palestine" from labels in its Ancient Levant gallery. The letter, published in March, accuses the museum of historical revisionism and links the action to pressure from the advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel, while also criticizing the museum's broader ties to Israel.
In mid-December, Abby Jones, acting chief of protocol at the State Department, suggested during a tour of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery that the museum create a dedicated gallery featuring multiple images of President Donald Trump, in addition to his official portrait. The White House later noted it regularly receives artworks depicting Trump from supporters and proposed displaying some at the museum, though no formal request has been made. The discussion follows the gallery’s recent replacement of Trump’s official photograph with a more flattering image and the removal of wall text referencing his two impeachments, which the museum described as part of a broader exhibition update.
The White House fired the vast majority of the National Council on the Humanities, the advisory body for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), on Wednesday amid a government shutdown. A letter from Mary Sprowls of the Presidential Personnel Office informed council members that their positions were terminated effective immediately. The council, typically composed of 26 scholars and leaders appointed for six-year terms, now has only four remaining members—all white men—after the dismissals. The council's website was updated to reflect the remaining members: Russell A. Berman, Keegan F. Callanan, William English, and Matthew Rose. A White House spokesperson stated that President Donald Trump hopes to place members who align more closely with his vision.
uk government ai copyright rules decision 1234775962
The UK government is currently navigating a contentious legal overhaul of intellectual property laws regarding artificial intelligence and copyright. A controversial proposal that would allow AI firms like OpenAI to train models on copyrighted material without creator consent has sparked fierce backlash from artists, MPs, and the House of Lords. While a formal update is expected in mid-March, reports suggest the government may delay a final decision for another year to gather further evidence.
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, has removed wall text accompanying a portrait of Donald Trump that mentioned his two impeachments. The text, part of the America's Presidents exhibition, listed Trump's achievements and noted he was impeached for abuse of power and incitement of insurrection, then acquitted by the Senate. The portrait by Matt McClain was replaced with a black-and-white photo by Daniel Torok, with a simplified label stating only Trump's birth year and status as the 45th and 47th president. The museum says it is beginning a planned update of the gallery, which will close from April 6 to May 14.
The University of Leicester has updated its guidance on trans-inclusivity for museums and galleries, despite facing litigation threats from the campaign group Freedom in the Arts (FITA). The 44-page document, originally published two years ago by the university’s Research Center for Museums and Galleries (RCMG), offers a framework for creating inclusive public spaces and workplaces, addressing legal and ethical questions about trans inclusion. FITA sent two letters threatening legal action, arguing the guidance is “misleading” and “unlawful,” particularly objecting to bathroom etiquette that states trans visitors should use the bathroom they feel most comfortable using. The university is reviewing the latest correspondence and declined further comment.
Iranian archaeologists Sepideh Maziar and Mehrnoush Soroush have launched an interactive online map to document and geolocate cultural heritage sites in Iran damaged by military strikes. The map, hosted by the University of Chicago's CAMEL Lab, currently lists 69 verified sites, including the historic Sa'dabad Palace complex in Tehran, and is updated as new information becomes available.
The New York State Museum in Albany has launched a comprehensive $150 million modernization project funded by the state. Led by new director Jennifer Saunders and supported by Governor Kathy Hochul, the initiative includes infrastructure upgrades, the formation of a visioning task force, and a plan to double the number of annual major exhibitions. The project aims to update the museum's aging displays with more interactive technology and contemporary narratives, beginning with a Barbie retrospective and an upcoming exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.