Erbil hosts four-day art gallery by Iranian Kurdish artist

Iranian Kurdish artist Nasr Daneshvar opened a four-day visual arts exhibition titled “Color, Women, Society” in Erbil, Iraq, on Sunday. The show features 22 paintings created over two years, exploring themes of women's strength and societal oppression, with elements of Kurdish culture and traditional attire. Daneshvar, born in Oshnavieh in 1981 and a graduate of Tabriz University's College of Fine Arts, organized the event in coordination with Erbil’s general directorate of culture and arts.

Iran will not participate in the Biennale

Iran nimmt nicht an Biennale teil

Iran has withdrawn from the Venice Biennale, according to an announcement by the Biennale organization reported in Italian media. No reasons were given for the decision. The withdrawal comes amid significant turmoil at the Biennale just days before its official opening on Saturday: the entire jury resigned over disputes regarding the treatment of Russia and Israel, the opening ceremony was canceled, and the traditional awarding of Golden Lions at the start has been postponed to the final day in November, with winners now to be decided by visitor vote rather than a jury.

Berliner Finanzsenator Evers übernimmt Leitung von Kulturverwaltung

Berlin's finance senator Stefan Evers (CDU) has been appointed to temporarily lead the city's cultural administration, marking the third change in leadership within a year. This follows the resignation of Joe Chialo in May 2025 and the departure of his successor Sarah Wedl-Wilson on the previous Friday, after months of controversy over the approval of funding grants. Evers will hold both finance and culture portfolios until the Berlin state election on September 20, 2025. The decision was made by CDU district chairpersons after initial talks with former justice senator Thomas Heilmann fell through.

Berliner Kulturverwaltung arbeitet an Reformen

Berlin's cultural administration is pressing ahead with reforms to make funding for projects against antisemitism legally secure, following the resignation of Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson. Cultural State Secretary Cerstin Richter-Kotowski told the culture committee that a working group established under Wedl-Wilson is now implementing recommendations from the state audit office report, which had found serious legal violations and omissions in the allocation of funds for antisemitism prevention projects. Richter-Kotowski emphasized that the administration continues its normal operations despite the leadership change, and she publicly thanked both Wedl-Wilson and the recently dismissed State Secretary Oliver Friederici for their service.

Berlin's Next Crash Landing

Berlins nächste Bruchlandung

Berlin's culture senator, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, resigned on Friday after being pressured by Mayor Kai Wegner amid a funding scandal. She approved 13 project applications totaling €2.6 million intended for combating antisemitism, bypassing mandatory co-payment rules and ignoring objections from her state secretary. Leaked chat logs revealed that CDU parliamentarians Christian Goiny and faction leader Dirk Stettner pushed her to fast-track approvals, leading to violations of budget law. The state audit office had flagged irregularities, and Wegner withdrew his support, prompting her resignation.

Berlins Kultursenatorin tritt ab

Berlin's Senator for Culture, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, has resigned after less than a year in office, following a damning report from the Berlin Court of Audit. The report found that the allocation of €2.6 million in funding for 13 projects aimed at combating antisemitism was 'evidently unlawful,' citing a lack of proper criteria, arbitrary project selection, and violations of budget regulations. Wedl-Wilson stated she stepped down to prevent damage to the fight against antisemitism, and Governing Mayor Kai Wegner accepted her resignation, vowing to reform the funding system. The opposition has accused CDU politicians of exerting improper influence to push through the projects.

Biennale Jury Will Not Consider Countries with ICC Allegations

Biennale-Jury will Länder mit IStGH-Vorwürfen nicht berücksichtigen

The jury of the Venice Art Biennale has announced that it will not consider countries whose heads of state or government face allegations of crimes against humanity from the International Criminal Court (ICC) when awarding prizes this year. The jury, led by Brazilian art historian Solange Farkas, cited its commitment to defending human rights. While no specific countries were named, the ICC currently has arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The Biennale leadership stated the jury acted in full autonomy and independence.

Culture Senator under pressure due to Court of Audit report

Kultursenatorin wegen Rechnungshofberichts unter Druck

Berlin's Court of Audit has issued a scathing report accusing Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson (independent) of serious legal violations in the allocation of €2.6 million in anti-Semitism prevention grants for 2025. The audit found that the selection process was arbitrary, lacked transparent criteria, and violated state budget regulations. Six of the 13 funded projects—receiving €2 million—were deemed ineligible for the specific budget line, and some recipients were newly founded entities that were not properly vetted. The report warns that the grants may need to be repaid.

EU Plans Penalty for Russia's Biennale Participation

EU plant Strafe für Biennale-Teilnahme Russlands

The European Union has threatened to cut funding for the Venice Biennale if it allows Russia to reopen its national pavilion at the upcoming exhibition. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's return is "morally wrong" while the country is bombing Ukrainian museums and destroying cultural heritage. Russia, in coordination with the Biennale foundation, had announced plans to participate this year with works by Russian artists, marking its first appearance since the 2022 invasion.

Art Düsseldorf Sees Increase in Visitors

Art Düsseldorf mit Besucher-Plus

Art Düsseldorf concluded its eighth edition with a significant increase in attendance, drawing 23,000 visitors to the Areal Böhler over the weekend. The fair featured 119 galleries from Germany and abroad, showcasing contemporary art despite broader economic uncertainties. This year's figures represent a notable growth from the previous year, which saw 20,000 visitors and 108 participating galleries.

Monopol is giving away 1 × 2 tickets for the German Jazz Prize 2026

Monopol verlost 1 × 2 Tickets für den Deutschen Jazzpreis 2026

Monopol magazine is hosting a giveaway for two tickets to the German Jazz Prize ceremony, scheduled for April 25, 2026, in Bremen. The event, held in conjunction with the jazzahead! trade fair, celebrates the diversity of the jazz scene by honoring musicians, albums, compositions, and journalistic contributions. The ceremony will be hosted by Thelma Buabeng and Götz Bühler, featuring a live performance by the Moses Yoofee Trio.

The Museum of the Surrender of Reims Reopens After a Year of Renovations

Le Musée de la Reddition de Reims rouvre ses portes après un an de travaux

The Musée de la Reddition de Reims (Museum of the Surrender of Reims) reopened on May 7, the 81st anniversary of the German surrender signed in its map room, after a year-long closure. The renovation, costing approximately €2 million, focused on conservation: protective glazing, improved ventilation and lighting, and anoxic treatment of collections to halt degradation of original maps, documents, and war room objects. The museum also overhauled its scenography, designed by Belgian agency Kascen, to present a clearer chronological narrative covering the occupation, Allied presence in Reims, liberation, postwar reconstruction, and reconciliation, rather than just the surrender itself. The museum now displays 17 uniforms, 130 objects and weapons, and 65 archival documents, including the act of capitulation and General McAuliffe's jacket.

Iran Absent from the Venice Biennale

L’Iran absent de la Biennale de Venise

Iran will be absent from the 2026 Venice Biennale, marking a notable gap in the international art exhibition. The decision reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges that have prevented the country from participating in one of the world's most prestigious cultural events.

A 1st-Century Roman Cargo Uncovered in Lake Neuchâtel

Une cargaison romaine du Ier siècle mise au jour dans le lac de Neuchâtel

Archaeologists have completed two major underwater excavation campaigns in Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland, recovering over 1,000 artifacts from a Roman cargo shipment dating between 20 and 50 AD. The discovery, initially spotted via aerial photography in 2024, includes exceptionally well-preserved items such as Spanish olive oil amphorae, tableware, military weaponry, and rare organic materials like a wicker basket and chariot wheels. The site was kept secret for two years to prevent looting while divers meticulously retrieved the historical treasures.

The Château de Breteuil upgrades its offering

Le château de Breteuil monte en gamme

François and Pauline de Breteuil, the son and daughter-in-law of the 10th Marquis de Breteuil, have initiated a strategic shift for the centuries-old Château de Breteuil in the Chevreuse Valley, one year after taking over the family estate. They are moving the château's positioning away from its previous focus on family tourism and Perrault's fairy tales toward a more museum-like and prestigious experience. This 'upgrading' includes the opening of a new on-site restaurant, the Café d'Achille, and the redecoration of four rooms by interior designer Jacques Garcia, creating period rooms dedicated to the 18th century, Marie Antoinette, and the Empire style.

Cultural Cities at the Heart of New Municipal Conquests

Villes culturelles, au cœur des nouvelles conquêtes municipales

Municipal elections across France have resulted in a wave of new and re-elected mayors, many of whom campaigned on strong cultural platforms. Key victories include Emmanuel Grégoire in Paris, Catherine Trautmann in Strasbourg, Grégory Doucet in Lyon, Yann Galut in Bourges, and Arnaud Deslandes in Lille, each outlining specific cultural visions ranging from continuity and private-public partnerships to fostering urban and street culture.

Jill Tate at Seventeen

Jill Tate's solo exhibition "Self-Fulfilment" is on view at Seventeen gallery in London from February 6 to March 21, 2026. The exhibition is documented with 29 installation photographs by Damian Griffiths, providing a visual record of the new body of work.

[minna|منا]of u at Participant Inc. and SALMA SARRIEDINE

The gallery Participant Inc. in New York presented a dual exhibition titled '[minna|منا]of u' featuring the work of artist Salma Sarriedine. The show ran from February 1 to March 22, 2026, and was curated by Ridikkuluz. The exhibition documentation consists of 25 images, with photos credited to Studio Kukla.

12,000 Years Ago, Native Americans Were Playing Games of Chance with Handmade Dice

Archaeologists have discovered that Native Americans were engaging in games of chance using handmade dice as far back as 12,000 years ago, during the Late Pleistocene. A new study by researcher Robert Madden reveals that these artifacts, found in sites across Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, predate the previously oldest known dice from Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley by over 6,000 years. These early dice, often made of bone and decorated with pigments, were used by the hunter-gatherer Folsom culture.

Meditate to the Undulations of Baltic Sea Ice in Jan Erik Waider’s Hypnotic Videos

German photographer and visual artist Jan Erik Waider has released a new series of aerial drone videos capturing a rare natural phenomenon in the Baltic Sea. The footage shows a thin, fresh layer of ice forming intricate, polygon-like shapes on the rolling sea surface, creating a hypnotic, undulating pattern that moves rhythmically without breaking.

Photographer Dr. Elliot McGucken Seizes a Rare Superbloom in Death Valley

Photographer Dr. Elliot McGucken captured images of a rare superbloom event in Death Valley National Park. The event, triggered by record rainfall, produced a vibrant display of wildflowers like Phacelia, Desert Gold, and Mojave Stars across the park's dunes and mountains, which McGucken documented after traveling from Yellowstone to ensure he didn't miss the spectacle.

Spring fling: Artist’s exhibition celebrates the colors of springtime

The article describes an artist's exhibition that celebrates the colors of springtime. The show is presented as a seasonal event, likely featuring vibrant, spring-themed artworks. The specific artist, venue, and location are not identifiable from the provided text due to a security verification wall that blocks access to the full article content.

Brandon Artists Guild Unveils Spring Gallery Refresh And Welcomes New Artists

The Brandon Artists Guild in Vermont is hosting an opening reception on Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. to unveil its spring gallery refresh at 7 Center St. The event introduces four new member artists: porcelain potter Aiden Rose Palmer from Williston, mixed-media and glass mosaic artist Lisa Steckler from Rutland, Margaret-Desiree Mug from Poultney, and fused glass tableware artist Susan Wacker-Donle from Pittsfield. The twice-yearly refresh rotates new collections from the cooperative's more than 35 regional artists, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

Exhibition openings to enjoy in May

Bundaberg Regional Galleries in Queensland, Australia, will launch five new exhibitions in May 2025, with opening events spread across the month. The shows include 'Lost in Palm Springs', a national touring exhibition curated by Dr Greer Honeywill featuring 14 artists and thinkers from America and Australia exploring Palm Springs' landscape and mid-century modern architecture; 'Shifting Perspectives: the Self Reconciliation Project' by local artist Avi Amesbury, which uses ceramics and storytelling to examine settler-colonial family history; 'Post Truth' by Gureng Gureng/Gangalu artist Darren Blackburn, addressing the Australian Government's Close the Gap campaign through led-neon signs; 'The Nature of Silk: The Glad Not Sad Book', a family-friendly exhibition of silk art by children's book author Kim Michelle Toft; and 'Metal in Motion' by Kevin Dekker, a collection of sculptures that transform steel, wood, stone and ceramics into dynamic, fluid forms. Opening events will be held at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Arts Space, with free admission and no RSVP required.

Grand opening of Quincy Art Gallery on 6th set for April 25 | Daily Gate City - Keokuk, Iowa

The Quincy Art Center is opening a new downtown gallery called Quincy Art Gallery on 6th at 127 N. 6th Street in Quincy, Illinois. The grand opening event on Saturday, April 25 will feature work from five artists, scheduled artist talks, a wheel throwing demonstration, and light refreshments.

Habitat Bermuda to open new art gallery

Habitat for Humanity of Bermuda is launching a dedicated art gallery within its ReStore location on King Street. The grand opening, scheduled for March 26, features a group exhibition of local talent including Sheilagh Head, Diana Amos, and Martin Hatfield. The event will be hosted with Governor Andrew Murdoch as the guest of honor, marking a new chapter for the charity’s engagement with the creative community.

Free exhibition opens showcasing 100 contemporary artworks

The third annual Worcester 100 Open Art Exhibition has launched at The Artery Studios, featuring 100 contemporary works by local artists. The showcase includes a diverse range of media such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and textiles, with all pieces available for purchase to support the regional creative community.

2026 Downtown Spring Gallery Walk

The Iowa City Downtown District is hosting its annual Spring Gallery Walk, a self-guided tour featuring local art and special exhibitions across various downtown venues. Key participants include the Stanley Museum of Art, which is hosting a grand opening reception for two new exhibitions, and the UI Main Library Gallery, which is presenting a retrospective on conductor James Dixon. The event also features community-created works at the UI Museum of Natural History.

Georgian Art Breaks Through: Bonhams to Host Historic First-Ever Auction Dedicated to Georgian Contemporary Artists

Bonhams is launching the first-ever major auction dedicated exclusively to Georgian contemporary art, titled "Georgian Art Now." The online sale runs from May 19 to 29 and features works by leading Georgian artists including Rusudan Petviashvili, Lia Bagrationi, Niniko Morbedadze, and Merab Gagiladze. The auction was curated by Daria Khristova, Head of Sales at Bonhams, who traveled to Tbilisi to select the lineup of paintings, sculptures, photography, and works on paper.

Open Air/Open Space Art Exhibition at the Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery

The Wayrick Wildlife Art Gallery at the Schermann Hoffman's Nature Center in Somerset County, New Jersey, is hosting the "Open Air/Open Space" juried art exhibition from February 6 through March 25. The show features works by professional and novice New Jersey Plein Air artists, celebrating the county's Open Space Preservation Program and its public park system.