New Light Art Charity to Auction Prestigious Northern Collection in Newcastle

The Northern England-based charity New Light Art has announced the forced sale of its prestigious permanent collection due to a critical lack of funding. Comprising over 80 works by prominent Northern artists such as Norman Ackroyd and Anne Desmet, the collection will be auctioned at Anderson & Garland in Newcastle on April 2, 2025. The decision follows the departure of a long-term patron and rising logistical costs, with proceeds intended to keep the charity’s exhibition and education programs operational.

'Our Living Heritage' opens at Old Gaol Museum

Stanley Grootboom, a renowned local author and artist from Knysna, South Africa, recently unveiled his latest exhibition, 'Our Living Heritage,' at the Old Gaol Museum. The opening drew an enthusiastic crowd of art lovers, cultural ambassadors, and community members. The exhibition highlights Grootboom's commitment to preserving South Africa's indigenous history, particularly the cultural heritage of the Khoi and San peoples, and features his acclaimed interactive book installation 'South African Gelieblik Stories and Songs,' which has earned national and international recognition. It also includes his powerful artwork 'The Battle,' currently housed at the Koena Art Institute at the Castle of Good Hope, and works by fellow artists Anthony Roach, Marlene Liebenberg, Gatsby Mpoyi, Zoe Fick, and Donald Hartzenberg as part of his ongoing art outreach programme.

Next Gen Art Exhibition open at regional gallery

The 2026 Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition has officially opened at the new Gosford Regional Library, showcasing works by 25 high school graduates from across Australia's Central Coast. Organized by the University of Newcastle, the fourth annual showcase features a diverse range of media from HSC students and awarded several top prizes during its opening night, including the Bouddi Foundation of the Arts Award and an acquisitive prize for the university’s permanent collection.

Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent

The Manchester Open exhibition will return in 2026 for its fourth iteration, taking place at HOME Manchester from June 20 to September 6. The open-call show invites submissions from artists of all experience levels across eight categories including ceramics, painting, photography, and textiles. A new award honoring philanthropist Kate Voke will be introduced, and three artists will receive development packages managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery. The application process is now open, with the selection panel to be announced in spring 2026.

Closure of Side gallery quayside space in Newcastle sparks social media backlash

Side gallery, a historic venue in Newcastle that has showcased documentary photography and film since 1977, will not reopen at its Quayside location after closing in 2023 due to lost revenue funding from the Arts Council of England (ACE). Managing director Laura Laffler of Amber Film & Photography, which runs the gallery, announced the decision after exhausting all avenues for continued funding, including a failed £1.3 million National Lottery Heritage Fund bid and the collapse of ACE's Grantium platform. The closure has sparked backlash on social media, with some donors to the 2023 #SaveSide crowdfund—which raised £67,278—feeling misled about the funds' purpose.

Trudi’s artwork lights up Abbeyeix Library this Christmas

Retired art teacher Trudi Killeen from Ballinakill is exhibiting a collection of watercolour paintings at Abbeyleix Library in Ireland throughout December. The exhibition features local scenes including Heywood Gardens, Gill’s Pond, Castle Durrow, and Abbeyleix Library itself, along with vibrant depictions of shops on Main Street Portlaoise and forestry scenes. Killeen, who graduated in art and held her first exhibition at Queen’s University Belfast in the 1960s, has been painting for decades and now works from her studio overlooking Gill’s Pond.

Art exhibition set to bring significant interest in Mayo town

An art exhibition called The Crow Gallery is opening in Westport, County Mayo, during the Westival 2025 arts and music festival. Housed in the vacant The Local public house on Castlebar Street, the show features work from local artists with disabilities and artists who responded to an Open Call on the theme of disability justice. The exhibition explores perceptions of disability, challenges ableism, and aims to spark dialogue about inclusion. It is the first phase of a longer-term project to establish a permanent gallery, coffee shop, gift shop, and artist studios where disabled and non-disabled artists collaborate, with people with disabilities leading the space. The project was driven by Anna Wall, inspired by local artist Maitiu Quinn and her daughter Amber Walsh, and supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland’s Ideas Academy and a Mayo County Council Arts Office workshop.

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A small copper-alloy object, excavated nearly a century ago from a predynastic cemetery at Badari in Upper Egypt, has been re-identified as the world's oldest known Egyptian bow drill. Dating to the late 4th millennium BCE, the tool pushes back the earliest evidence for this technology in Egypt by about 2,000 years, revealing that Egyptian craftspeople mastered efficient rotary drilling much earlier than previously thought.

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A section of the apse of the 12th-century Romanesque-Mudejar Church of Our Lady of the Castle (also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption) in Muriel de Zapardiel, Valladolid, Spain, collapsed on Monday morning. The protected Bien de Interés Cultural was immediately closed to the public, with no injuries reported. Heritage experts attribute the collapse to long-standing structural issues such as humidity, cracks, and brickwork erosion, compounded by years of insufficient maintenance. The Archbishopric of Valladolid, which owns the church, stated that inspections last summer had not indicated imminent risk, while regional culture minister Gonzalo Santonja visited the site and called for further analysis.

Secret garden bursts into colour with new art exhibition

The Castle Gardens in Malton has launched its first open-air art exhibition, featuring a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists. Staged by the community interest company You will be CIC, the artworks are mounted directly onto the landscape's veteran trees to create an accessible cultural trail. The initiative is part of the broader Ryedale Gateway Project Trail, which aims to expand public art across the Malton and Norton areas.

Local Notes: Art Exhibition, Chess Club, Digital Skills

Service users from Rehab Care Castlerea and Roscommon are presenting a special art exhibition at the Roscommon Library. Running from February 18th to February 28th, the showcase features a variety of creative works produced by individuals within the care program.

Reopening of Libya's national museum celebrated as ‘new beginning’

The National Museum of Libya in Tripoli reopened on 12 December after being closed since 2011, following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and years of civil war. Housed in the historic Red Castle (Al-Saraya Al-Hamra), the museum was originally established by Italian colonizers in 1919 and later expanded by the British. Gaddafi opened a modernized version in 1988. A comprehensive restoration project with UNESCO assistance began in 2023 to bring the institution up to international standards.

PICTURES: A Limerick art studio holds exhibition in aid of NOVAS

Hatters Castle Art Class and Studio held an exhibition at Dooradoyle Library in Limerick, Ireland, to raise funds for NOVAS, a charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people. The event featured artwork created by participants of the art class and studio, with proceeds going to the organization.

Art exhibition set to bring significant interest in Mayo town

An art exhibition called The Crow Gallery is opening in Westport, County Mayo, during the Westival 2025 arts and music festival. Housed in the vacant The Local public house on Castlebar Street, the show features work from local artists with disabilities and participants of an Open Call centered on disability justice. The exhibition explores perceptions of disability, challenges ableism, and aims to spark dialogue about inclusion. It is the first phase of a long-term project to establish a permanent gallery, coffee shop, gift shop, and artist studios where disabled and non-disabled artists collaborate, with people with disabilities leading the space. The project was inspired by local artist Maitiu Quinn and Amber Walsh, and is driven by Anna Wall, who participated in Social Entrepreneurs Ireland's Ideas Academy and a Mayo County Council Arts Office workshop facilitated by artist Kari Cahill.

Art exhibition set to bring significant interest in Mayo town

An art exhibition called The Crow Gallery is opening in Westport, County Mayo, during the Westival 2025 arts and music festival. Housed in the vacant The Local public house on Castlebar Street, the show features work from local artists with disabilities and participants of an Open Call centered on disability justice. The exhibition explores perceptions of disability, challenges ableism, and aims to spark dialogue about inclusion. It is the first phase of a long-term project to establish a permanent gallery, coffee shop, gift shop, and artist studios where disabled and non-disabled artists collaborate, with people with disabilities leading the space. The project was inspired by local artist Maitiu Quinn and Amber Walsh, and was developed through Social Entrepreneurs Ireland's Ideas Academy and a Mayo County Council Arts Office workshop facilitated by artist Kari Cahill.

The Savvy Balancing Act of the 'Bern 2026' Regional Sites

Le savant dosage des sites régionaux « Bern 2026 »

The French Heritage Foundation (Fondation du patrimoine) has announced the 2026 list of 18 emblematic regional sites selected for the 'Loto du patrimoine' (Heritage Lottery) funding initiative. The sites, chosen from 650 endangered candidates, include religious buildings like the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Kreisker in Saint-Pol-de-Léon and the Antana-Bé Mosque in Mayotte, forts and castles such as the Royal Castle of Senlis and Fort Boyard, as well as industrial, rural, and residential ensembles like the Beaufonds sugar factory in La Réunion. The selection balances architectural significance, state of decay, project maturity, and potential for revitalization.

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.

More Than Studios: NewBridge Project is a much-needed Third Space in Newcastle

The NewBridge Project in Newcastle’s Shieldfield neighborhood has established itself as a vital community hub and artist collective, housing 130 visual and cross-disciplinary artists across 90 studios. Beyond providing affordable workspace, the organization operates an independent bookshop, a youth program, and a memory cafe, positioning itself as a "third space" that bridges the gap between professional art production and local social engagement.

MSU student debuting ant-themed art exhibit

Morehead State University student Josiah Kilburn, a senior biology major from Castle Rock, Colorado, is debuting an ant-themed art exhibition titled “Myrmecoportraiture: Experience the Enchanting World of Ants” at the Golding-Yang Art Gallery. Running from October 6 to 30, the show combines macro photography, live ant colonies, preserved specimens, and interactive multisensory displays, including tactile habitats and distinct ant smells. Kilburn developed the project through his biology studies and photography courses, with mentorship from Associate Professor Dr. Robyn Moore. An artist talk and reception are scheduled for October 22.

MSU student debuting ant-themed art exhibit

Morehead State University student Josiah Kilburn, a senior biology major from Castle Rock, Colorado, is debuting an ant-themed art exhibition titled “Myrmecoportraiture: Experience the Enchanting World of Ants” at the Golding-Yang Art Gallery. Running from October 6–30, the show combines macro photography, live ant colonies, preserved specimens, and interactive sensory displays—including the distinct smells of ant species—to immerse visitors in the hidden world of ants. Kilburn developed the project through a blend of his biology studies and photography coursework, with mentorship from Associate Professor Dr. Robyn Moore.

Pictures: Castle Drogo hosts powerful women’s history art exhibition this March

The Herding Cats Arts Collective is presenting a month-long exhibition titled 'A Woman’s Place' at Castle Drogo, a National Trust property on Dartmoor. The exhibition, running throughout March 2026, features contemporary works that explore the domestic and social structures governing the lives of women connected to the estate during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through research conducted with castle historians, the artists utilize domestic materials and imagery to highlight the often-overlooked histories of both the working-class staff and the upper-class residents of the fortress.

Young Artists Take Center Stage At Rutland Gallery Exhibit

The Greater Rutland Central Supervisory Union recently launched its third annual student art celebration at the Vermont State University Castleton Bank Gallery. The exhibition showcases a diverse array of creative works—including paintings, charcoal drawings, pottery, and photography—produced by students ranging from pre-K through high school. The opening reception also integrated live musical performances by local students, creating a multi-disciplinary showcase of regional youth talent.

Exhibition by textile artist Kadi Pajupuu to be opened at the Riigikogu

Textile artist Kadi Pajupuu has opened a solo exhibition titled "Sinane" (This Very) at the Art Gallery of Toompea Castle, the seat of the Estonian Parliament. Inaugurated by Riigikogu President Lauri Hussar, the showcase features experimental works that blend archaic Estonian linguistic themes with modern material technologies. The exhibition highlights Pajupuu’s innovative weaving techniques, including her patented RailReed and MultiWeave systems, which allow for adjustable warp density and three-dimensional textile structures.

Castleknock Christmas Tree Festival and Art Exhibition

The parishes of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla are hosting a Christmas Tree Festival at St Brigid’s in Castleknock from November 28th to 30th, featuring decorated trees that tell the Christmas story. Alongside the festival, an annual Arts and Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, November 29th, from 12pm to 4pm in the Parish Centre, including an art exhibition and sale by local artists and crafters, plus refreshments, cake stalls, and family activities like Santa’s Grotto and face painting.

Exhibitions set to open in Paris in May 2026: what's new to discover this month

A roundup of new art and cultural exhibitions opening in Paris and the Île-de-France region in May 2026 is announced. Highlights include the annual Rambolitrain toy train fair at Rambolitrain museum on May 1, free evening hours at the Bourse de Commerce on May 2, free entry to castles and museums in Yvelines and Seine-et-Marne on May 3, the Tour Auto classic car display under the Grand Palais glass roof on May 3-4, the Circle of Parisian Artists' 24th annual exhibition at Parc Floral from May 4-31, a new garden art exhibition "Jardin des Lumières" at the Grand Trianon in Versailles from May 5 to September 27, and a major Hilma af Klint exhibition at the Grand Palais.

SWANSEA: British Art Show 10 confirmed for Glynn Vivian next year — the only Welsh stop on a national tour featuring artists from Tracey Emin to Grayson Perry

Swansea has been confirmed as the only Welsh stop on the British Art Show 10 national tour, with the exhibition taking place at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery from February 12 to May 16, 2027. Titled 'A Chorus of Strangers,' the show will also feature venues including the new home for Elysium Gallery and potentially Y Storfa, and will explore themes of Moments of Being, Ways of Living, and States of Nature across various media. Curated by Ekow Eshun, the tour launches in Coventry in October 2026 before visiting Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield, and Newcastle-Gateshead.

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Maria Smorzhevskikh-Smirnova, the director of the Narva Museum in Estonia, was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison by a Russian court. The charges stem from her hanging banners on Narva Castle that label Russian President Vladimir Putin a “war criminal,” including one that fuses Putin’s face with Adolf Hitler’s and another showing a bloodied mug shot of Putin. The court cited laws against disseminating “war fakes” and “rehabilitating Nazism.” Smorzhevskikh-Smirnova has been displaying such banners since 2023 on Russian Victory Day, and Russian authorities have projected Victory Day parades toward Narva from the nearby town of Ivangorod.

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Thieves stole gold worth approximately €600,000 ($700,000) from the Natural History Museum in Paris's Fifth Arrondissement, using an angle grinder and blowtorch to break in during the night. The robbery was detected on Tuesday morning, and the museum's mineralogy gallery closed afterward. Separately, five members of the punk art collective Pussy Riot were sentenced in absentia by a Moscow court to 8–13 years for spreading false information about the Russian military, linked to a 2022 antiwar video. Other news includes the identification of manganese blue in a Jackson Pollock painting, a protest banner at Windsor Castle, new acquisitions at the Norton Museum, an upcoming Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition on Marie Antoinette, a gallery move in New York, and a preview of Calder Gardens in Philadelphia.

Inaugural Brussels Art Week stakes a strong claim for the city's scene

The inaugural Brussels Art Week took place from September 5-8, organized by the non-profit RendezVous, co-founded by Evelyn Simons and Laure Decock. The event featured gallery openings, artist talks, institutional shows, performances, and offsite interventions across multiple neighborhoods, deliberately avoiding the traditional art fair model. A centerpiece was a commissioned social space by British artist Zoe Williams titled 'A Tip Inn,' a functioning bar and performance venue that hosted talks, readings, and DJ sets. Participating galleries included Xavier Hufkens (showing Charline von Heyl), Gladstone (Nicholas Bierk), and Mendes Wood DM (Julien Creuzet), while Damien & The Love Guru installed Sharon Van Overmeire's inflatable castle sculpture at Wiels garden.

34 Luxembourgish artists take over Larochette Castle

More than 30 Luxembourgish artists have taken over Larochette Castle for the L’Art-Rochette exhibition, running until 14 September. The show features wood, marble, scrap metal sculptures, pottery, photography, paintings, and jewellery, with most works available for purchase. Highlights include wooden sculptures by Jean-Paul Thielfels, scrap metal works by Karin Mayer, marble sculpture by Eck Lunkes, pottery by Mady Roef, and photography by Marc Barthelemy. Organisers Laurence Anciaux and Ren Spautz launched the event in 2020, and it has grown into a biannual art and photo show.