Rome: A new cultural space opens in Trastevere (there's also an art radio station)

Roma: apre a Trastevere un nuovo spazio culturale (c’è anche un radio sull’arte)

A new cultural space called ASIF has opened in Rome's Trastevere district at Via della Lungara 24, launching on May 8 with an exhibition titled "Educazione sentimentale per architetti" by artist and illustrator Chiara Carrer, running until June 20. The space is distinguished by an accompanying radio station that extends its reach through programs exploring art and the city, with a team including Yasmin Rosciglione, Arturo Zanaica, Novella Hoffer, Iacopo Taddia, Monica Dell'acqua, Edoardo Taddia, and Blanca Castro Xiques. The inaugural show, curated by Bonvini 1909 (named Artribune's gallery of the year in 2025), features over sixty works including collages, engravings, and sculptures centered on the theme of dwelling.

June's First Friday Art Walk in Springfield offers all-ages activities

Springfield's First Friday Art Walk on June 5 offers a wide range of all-ages activities, including gallery openings, author readings, live jazz, and a community block party. Participating venues such as Formed: An Artist Collective, Obelisk Home, Hotel Vandivort, and the Park Central Branch Library will feature new exhibitions, hands-on crafts, and extended hours until 10 p.m. The event is organized by the Springfield Regional Arts Council and includes contributions from local artists like Andi Snethern, Hailey Paige, and Colby Kern.

Le dimore storiche sono il più vasto e straordinario museo diffuso d’Italia. Una giornata per celebrarle

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Italian historic homes will open their doors free to the public as part of the 16th National Day promoted by ADSI – Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane. The 2025 edition involved over 500 properties and more than 250,000 visitors, highlighting the widespread cultural heritage across Italy. The article argues that this event is not merely cultural or tourist-oriented but raises broader questions about the future of Italy's fragile territories and the need for a cohesive national strategy for territorial rebalancing.

The Biennale and the Weight of Flags. What Is the Point of National Pavilions?

La Biennale e il peso delle bandiere. Che senso hanno i padiglioni nazionali?

The article examines the inherent contradiction within the Venice Biennale: its historical structure of national pavilions, a legacy of 19th-century world fairs and state-sponsored art, clashes with the transnational, post-identity vision of the international exhibition curated by Koyo Kouoh. The return of the Russia Pavilion amid geopolitical conflict and the international show titled "In Minor Keys," which rejects national belonging as an interpretive criterion, highlight this tension. The piece also addresses the controversy over the lack of Italian artists in the main exhibition, questioning whether a Biennale hosted in Italy should guarantee national representation.

The church, the village, the park. FAI's 'Places of the Heart' returns to save ruins

La chiesa, il borgo, il parco. Tornano i Luoghi del Cuore del FAI per salvare i beni in rovina

The Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI) has launched the 13th edition of its "Luoghi del Cuore" (Places of the Heart) initiative, a biennial census that invites Italians to vote for cultural heritage sites most in need of restoration. Since 2003, the campaign has collected over 13.5 million votes, with the 2024 edition alone receiving more than 2.3 million votes for over 41,000 sites across 6,508 municipalities. The initiative has funded 180 recovery projects, 40% of which involve churches, followed by environmental, architectural, and archaeological assets. Notable successes include the Church of San Pietro dei Samari in Gallipoli, the Oratorio del Sasso in Orasso, and the Complesso di Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno.

Stefano Boeri designs a new monastery that will be born in Milan in the district where Expo 2015 was held

Stefano Boeri progetta un nuovo monastero che nascerà a Milano nel quartiere dove si fece l’Expo2015

Stefano Boeri Architetti has designed a new monastery, the Monastero Ambrosiano, to be built by 2029 in the Mind – Milano Innovation District, the tech hub developed on the site of Expo 2015 in Milan. Presented at the Abbey of Chiaravalle, the project is commissioned by the Diocese of Milan and includes a church for 300-350 worshippers, a Cloister of Religions, a Garden of Religions, and a Library of Religions, blending contemporary architecture with monastic tradition and interfaith dialogue.

The gardens are beautiful but we have stopped designing them. Analysis by architect Gabriele Mulè

I giardini sono bellissimi ma abbiamo smesso di progettarli. L’analisi dell’architetto Gabriele Mulè

Architect Gabriele Mulè analyzes the garden of Bruce Ginsberg in Hampshire, England, describing it as a masterful blend of Eastern and Western traditions. The garden, cultivated for over thirty years, features fluid curves, geometric hedges, a Tibetan stupa, and a labyrinth, embodying the concept of sharawadgi—planting without apparent order—while integrating elements from ancient Greece, the Renaissance, and Buddhist philosophy.

Story of Stampé is the new social atelier in Turin: art gallery, workshop, laboratory of ideas and participation

Storia di Stampé è il nuovo atelier sociale di Torino: galleria d’arte, bottega, laboratorio di idee e di partecipazione

Stampé, a new community atelier in Turin, Italy, has opened at Via Stampatori 5, a historic street once home to printers. The space is a hybrid cultural hub combining an art gallery, a workshop, a showroom for artisanal and food products, and a social enterprise incubator. It launched with a group exhibition featuring seven cultural associations and the communication agency Hello Tomorrow, showcasing works by emerging artists and graphic artworks from past events. The initiative is part of the "Piani Generativi 2" social enterprise development project, funded by the city of Turin and the Compagnia di San Paolo foundation.

The arrival of the Orient Express hotel in Venice reopens the historic Palazzo Donà Giovannelli (filling it with contemporary art)

L’arrivo dell’hotel Orient Express a Venezia riapre lo storico Palazzo Donà Giovannelli (riempiendolo di arte contemporanea)

Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a 15th-century Venetian palace, has reopened as the flagship Orient Express hotel after an eight-year restoration led by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman. Located in the Cannaregio district, the 5-star luxury hotel features 47 rooms, suites, and residences, blending historical frescoes and neogothic details with contemporary sculptures, Murano glass chandeliers, and custom furnishings. The property, owned by Arsenale Group since 2019, includes a transformed courtyard lobby, a secret garden, and a rotating selection of contemporary artworks displayed in a passage called Calle Meraviglia.

Jury or Public? The Biennale Is Not an Algorithm, But Neither Is It a Liturgy

Giuria o pubblico? La Biennale non è un algoritmo, ma neppure una liturgia

The article critically examines the proposal for "Visitor Lions" (Leoni dei Visitatori) at the Venice Biennale, arguing that the idea is a fragile, quick-fix response to a deeper crisis. It questions whether replacing expert juries with public voting would truly improve the selection process, noting that both systems have significant flaws: juries are not necessarily neutral, often rushed and filtered, while public voting risks favoring accessible, easily consumable works and reinforcing existing hierarchies.

Where to eat and take a break in Venice during the 2026 Art Biennale?

Dove mangiare e prendersi una pausa a Venezia durante la Biennale Arte 2026?

The article provides a curated guide to dining and refreshment spots in Venice during the 61st edition of the Venice Biennale, which runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026. It lists several recommended venues—including ABC Zattere, Bea Vita, QuasiPronto, Adriatico Mar, Bancogiro, and Osteria Da Pampo—each described with details on location, atmosphere, and specialties, from cicchetti and tramezzini to natural wine and traditional Venetian dishes.

Svolta per il Museo del Fumetto che chiuse a Milano: nuova sede in un’ex biblioteca di Monza

The Franco Fossati Foundation's Museo del Fumetto (Comics Museum), which was evicted from Milan due to a €180,000 debt to the city, has found a new permanent home in Monza. The Monza city council approved the foundation's proposal on April 30, paving the way for the renovation of a former library in the Cederna district, which has been abandoned for years. The archive of 500,000 pieces will be temporarily stored in Desio while the Monza building is refurbished with €850,000 from the municipality and additional funds from the foundation.

A Milano esiste una community di illustratori che racconta la città disegnandola dal vivo

Urban Sketchers Milano, a local chapter of the international Urban Sketchers community, recently held an event at Casa Galimberti, a notable Liberty-style building in Milan. The group, founded in 2007 by journalist and illustrator Gabriel Campanario in Seattle, brings together illustrators who draw urban scenes directly from life, on location. The Milan chapter, active since March 2008, is currently managed by Valentín Di Salvo, Stefano Ziffarelli, and Daniela Paglia, and organizes events such as a recent gathering at the garden of Via San Martino, which drew over 90 artists.

No, the closed Museum of Comics in Milan has not found a new home in Brianza

No, il Museo del Fumetto chiuso a Milano non ha trovato la nuova sede in Brianza

The Museum of Comics (Museo del Fumetto) in Milan, which suspended operations in June 2025 due to a €180,000 debt to the city, has not found a permanent new home despite online rumors. Instead, the Fondazione Franco Fossati, which runs the museum, has secured temporary storage for its archive in Desio (Monza-Brianza) for up to two years, using spaces granted free of charge by the local municipality. The archive—containing over 500,000 items including publications, original boards, and memorabilia—will be cataloged and preserved there, but the museum itself remains closed to the public.

Aumenti salariali e welfare per i lavori della cultura. È stato firmato il nuovo Contratto Nazionale di Lavoro. L’intervista

A new national labor contract for Italy's cultural sector has been signed. The Federculture National Labor Contract, finalized on April 30, 2026, includes a 7.5% increase in minimum wages (effective December 1, 2024), doubled welfare contributions for healthcare, and a simplified job classification system. The agreement was reached between Federculture and major unions including FP CGIL, CISL FP, UIL FPL, and UIL PA, with negotiations for the 2025-2027 term set to resume on May 26.

Art exhibit brings mental health into focus

A touring exhibition featuring work by well-established and up-and-coming Saskatchewan artists has opened at a church-turned-art gallery in St. Walburg, Saskatchewan, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month. The show focuses on mental health themes and brings together diverse artistic voices in a small town 60 kilometres east of the Alberta border.

'Earth Sky Color' show at Seven Stars Art Gallery

A new group exhibition titled 'Earth Sky Color' opens at the Seven Stars Art Gallery in Nevada City, featuring local Plein Air and landscape artists Laurence Fogiel, Sam Mitchell, Bob Kittle, Warren Knox, Susan Moreno, Linda Roemisch, Sharri Tucker, and Jane Welles. The show presents original paintings in acrylic, gouache, oil, pastel, and watercolor, with an opening reception scheduled for Saturday, June 6 from 6-8 p.m., sponsored by the Nevada City Odd Fellows Lodge.

Athens artist Manda McKay explores 'Feral Feminism'

Athens-based artist Manda McKay presents her latest exhibition, 'Feral Feminism,' opening May 15 at Tiny ATH Gallery. The show invites viewers to explore raw, untamed themes through McKay's work as a visual storyteller and author.

First Friday Art Walk set this weekend in Sequim

The First Friday Art Walk in Sequim, Washington, will take place this weekend from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring an aqua-themed self-guided tour of downtown venues. Highlights include a reception for "May Flowers" at Blue Whole Gallery with works by Jolene Sanborn and Rick George, a fiber arts exhibit at Sequim Museum & Arts, and new works at A. Milligan Art Studio and Gallery by Lyn Conlan and Anne Pfeiffer, along with live music and local artisan offerings at multiple participating businesses.

Museum Art Handing Market Analysis By Application, Type,

A market research report projects the Museum Art Handing Market will grow from $11.83 billion in 2026 to $30.44 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 12.54%. The sector covers professional services for transferring, installing, and deinstalling artworks in museums, including condition assessments, conservation, transportation, and security. Growth is driven by rising demand across industrial, commercial, and technology-oriented applications, increased investments in cultural infrastructure, and the expansion of international traveling exhibitions.

Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026 opens this Friday with more than 200 artists taking part

Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026 opens this Friday, 15th May, and runs until Monday 25th May, featuring over 200 artists and makers across the Isle of Wight. Visitors can explore studios, galleries, and creative spaces to meet painters, ceramicists, photographers, jewellers, printmakers, textile artists, and sculptors. A preview exhibition, the IWOS Showcase Exhibition, is currently on display at Quay Arts until 30th May, showcasing work from over 90 participating artists. The event has been nominated in the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards under 'Best Event or Festival'.

Fei Tian College MFA Graduation Exhibition Blends Technical Excellence With Human Stories

Fei Tian College in Middletown, New York, opened its 2026 Fine Arts Exhibition on May 11, showcasing oil paintings and graphic design works by undergraduate and graduate students. The week-long show serves as the MFA in Oil Painting graduation showcase, featuring works that blend traditional techniques with personal themes such as innocence, spirituality, courage, compassion, and humanity. Faculty members curated the layout, but each graduate artist developed their own vision over a year-long creative process, with many spending at least a year on a single painting from concept to completion.

Art market trends 2025: Impressionist & Modern hit $4.7B, up 29.5%

According to the 2025 art market trends, Impressionist and Modern art generated $4.7 billion in auction sales, a 29.5% increase from 2024, overtaking Postwar and Contemporary art to become the year's largest auction segment. Meanwhile, Ultra-contemporary art continued its decline, and Old Masters gained ground, signaling a broader shift in collector behavior toward established, blue-chip works.

Students Recognized At JCC Juried Art Exhibition Opening

Nine students received awards at Jamestown Community College’s Juried Student Art exhibition, which opened recently in the Weeks Gallery on the Jamestown Campus. Winners included Tala Abuhmeidan (Outstanding Achievement in Painting), Alyson Danielson (President’s Award), Nicole Ford (Excellence in Sculpture), Rachel LeRoy (Distinguished Body of Work), Jack Lingenfelter (Innovation in New Media), Jessica Olson (Juror’s Award for Excellence), Zoe Pike (Excellence in Ceramics), Olivia Reynolds (Excellence in Drawing Practices), and Courtney Runge (Distinguished Work in Photography). The exhibition features works from students at JCC’s Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses across media including painting, drawing, prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and digital media. Jurors included JCC Art faculty Madison LaVallee, Nathan Jeffery, Mark Kirsch, Brenna Turner, and Tom Makovitch.

Art exhibitions celebrate sports, AAPI artists in Palm Beach County

Two new art exhibitions have opened at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. The first, 'Kinetic Energy: A Celebration of Sport in Palm Beach County,' features works by 14 local artists inspired by sports such as soccer, polo, dance, and swimming. The second exhibition highlights Asian American and Pacific Islander artists. An opening reception was held on April 16, 2026.

BAA showcasing third annual Raiders of the Lost Art and May Flowers

The Belleville Art Association (BAA) is hosting two events on Saturday, May 9th, to celebrate the opening of its new exhibition. The third annual "Raiders of the Lost Art" treasure hunt will take place from 12-4 p.m., with over 100 original artworks hidden in 30 downtown Belleville businesses. Participants can pick up a map and search for art, with a "clue crew" offering hints; finders receive a ballot for a BAA gift certificate. Concurrently, the "May Flowers" show opens with a reception from 2-4 p.m., featuring paintings, jewellery, mosaics, textile art, and ceramics by local artists, all available for purchase. The exhibition runs from May 5th to June 6th at the BAA gallery on 208 Front Street.

Exhibits on display at BIG ARTS

BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island is hosting two exhibitions: "Art as Therapy" in the Dunham Family Gallery through June 8, and the "Annual Artists Collective" in the Mezzanine Gallery through May 31. "Art as Therapy" is a collaboration between Hope Healthcare’s Art Therapy Program and Lee Health’s Arts in Healthcare Program, showcasing works that explore personal journeys through grief, illness, and recovery. The "Annual Artists Collective" features work from the artist-instructors who lead BIG ARTS workshops and classes, highlighting their diverse mediums and creative skills.

Mount Wachusett Community College hosts 40th art exhibition

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) held its 40th Annual Regional Exhibition of High School Art in the East Wing Gallery, featuring works from students at eight area high schools. The exhibition displayed ceramics, paintings, drawings, and mixed media, with 10 students receiving cash awards for outstanding artistic achievement. The college also highlighted its expanding art program, driven by free community college initiatives, and its community outreach through the Summer Art Program for Youth and free public exhibitions.

Eureka to hold local art exhibition to raise funds for 120yr old hall

The small community of Eureka, New South Wales, is hosting a local art exhibition titled 'Eureka: Where We Gather' from May 8 to May 10, 2025, to raise funds for the maintenance of its 120-year-old Eureka Hall. Organized by Michelle Braiuka, the exhibition features paintings, photography, and sculptures by Northern Rivers artists, with an opening night on Friday (tickets $30) and free public entry on Saturday and Sunday, including a Mother's Day Devonshire Tea.

Sadequain’s Legacy Comes Alive in Canada with Three Day Art Exhibition

Pakistan’s High Commission in Canada launched a three-day art exhibition in Mississauga celebrating the legacy of renowned artist Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi. Inaugurated by High Commissioner Muhammad Saleem, the exhibition features Sadequain’s paintings, murals, drawings, and Urdu poetry, organized by the Sadequain Foundation with local partners. Attendees include students from the Aga Khan Foundation Academy Toronto, and scholar Ashfaq Hussain will deliver a talk on the artist’s multifaceted legacy.