I’M SO ATL Campaign to Turn Atlanta Into ‘Living Art Gallery’ Ahead of Summer 2026

The I’M SO ATL public art campaign is launching in May 2025 to transform Atlanta city parks into a "living, breathing art gallery" through large-scale installations, leading up to the ARTlanta Festival of Culture in Piedmont Park from August 7–9, 2026. Organized by spokesperson Yamileth Jaramillo, the initiative includes an open call for 1,000 artists, partnerships with Atlanta Parks and Recreation and other city agencies, and a social media campaign inviting residents to share what "I'm so ATL" means. Art will remain on display through November 2026.

Daylight Chaser exhibit features Kalispell artist

A new exhibition titled "Daylight Chaser" opens May 1 at Phillips Gallery in Kalispell, featuring oil paintings by self-taught artist Brian Braunberger. The works depict Flathead Valley landscapes, drawing on Braunberger's background in graphic design and marketing to create what he describes as an interpretation of nature's "emotional fingerprint of lighted rhythm." A reception with an artist's talk will be held on opening night, and the show runs through May 30.

TINY ART show is back at ArtWorks Gallery

ArtWorks Gallery in Chocorua, New Hampshire, is presenting TINY ART again this May, featuring works created by students from K.A. Brett School. The opening reception will be held on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery, located at 132 White Mountain Highway (Route 16), with refreshments, games, and giveaways. Attendees can meet the young artists and view their interpretations alongside works by gallery artist members.

Studio art capstone exhibition running through May 8

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Art, Art History and Design is presenting the Spring 2026 Studio Art Capstone Exhibition, featuring work from 21 graduating studio art and graphic design students. The exhibition runs through May 8 in the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery, with a closing reception on May 8 from 5-7 p.m. Students such as Anna Dirrim, Braylon Schroeder, Hannah Nigh, and Coralea Montague are showcasing pieces in mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and interdisciplinary art.

Here's what the much-talked-about Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale looks like. Photos and video

Ecco com’è il chiacchieratissimo Padiglione Russia della Biennale di Venezia. Foto e video

The Russian Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale has opened amid intense controversy over its unauthorized participation. The pavilion, housed in a 1914 building recently restored by Italian architects 2050+, features a program of musical improvisations, ensemble performances, techno concerts, and interactive actions, including free used clothing. The space is designed as a fragrant flower shop with a chill-out room featuring a conifer grove and video installations. The exhibition, titled "L’Albero Radicato nel Cielo" (The Tree Rooted in the Sky), is organized by young poets, musicians, and philosophers who prefer to remain anonymous as a collective, coordinated by the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. However, due to sanctions, the pavilion is only open from May 5 to 8, as organizers cannot obtain the necessary permit to operate beyond the private opening.

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.

Artribune's Agendissima for the 2026 Venice Biennale. The complete guide to events to download

L’Agendissima di Artribune in occasione della Biennale Arte 2026. La guida completa agli eventi da scaricare

Artribune has released its "Agendissima" guide for the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, across the Giardini, Arsenale, and various venues in Venice. The guide provides schedules, addresses, and recommendations for openings, pavilions, exhibitions, and evening events during the preview days, available for online consultation, download, and printing.

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.

Golden Lions of the Biennale voted by the public? 7 reasons why they cannot work

Leoni d’Oro della Biennale votati dal pubblico? 7 motivi per cui non possono funzionare

On April 30, 2026, the International Jury of the Venice Art Biennale resigned en masse. In response, the Biennale Foundation hastily announced a new initiative called the "Visitor Lions" (Leoni dei Visitatori), where paying visitors would vote to award the Golden Lions for best artist and best national participation. The voting system would rely on ticket tracking to verify attendance at the main venues, the Giardini and the Arsenale. However, just a week before the public opening, no further details had been released, raising numerous practical concerns about the mechanism's feasibility.

Cultural Observatories: Dinosaurs or Subjects Capable of Interpreting the Present?

Osservatori culturali. Dinosauri o soggetti in grado di interpretare il presente?

The Cultural Observatory of Canton Ticino has published a study on cultural observatories worldwide, including a map and list of surveyed organizations. The analysis reveals that cultural observatories are not a global phenomenon but are concentrated mainly in Europe and South America, with occasional presence in North America (especially Canada and Hispanic-oriented organizations in the US). Africa, Asia, and Oceania are almost entirely absent from the map. The study also highlights a high rate of inactive observatories: among the top 10 countries by active observatories, only Germany shows an effective activity ratio. Spain has 26 active observatories out of about 45 total, while Italy has 11 active out of over 20 inactive. The research defines observatories as non-profit organizations that combine cultural and statistical expertise to deepen and transfer knowledge about the cultural sector, and classifies as inactive those with no recent activity on web or social channels.

Veneto: In Place of a Liberty Café in Recoaro Terme, a Contemporary Art Center Opens. Interview with the Curator

Veneto: al posto di un caffè liberty di Recoaro Terme apre un centro d’arte contemporanea. Intervista alla curatrice

The historic Palazzo Caffè Nazionale in Recoaro Terme, a small spa town in the Veneto region of Italy, is being transformed into a contemporary art center called Cantiere del Contemporaneo, set to open on May 2, 2026. The project, curated by Elisabetta Bacchin, will focus on artist residencies, with the inaugural group including Romesh Bothalage, Pietro Chiarello, Francesco Pizzocchero, and Virginia Stevenin, who will work for two months in the converted spaces. The initiative is part of a broader regeneration plan funded by the National Plan for Borghi and the European Union's PNRR funds, aiming to revitalize the town's cultural and economic identity through contemporary art.

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.

The Dutch Pavilion at the Venice Biennale is a political protest (also against the Biennale itself)

Il padiglione dei Paesi Bassi alla Biennale di Venezia è una contestazione politica (anche della Biennale stessa)

The Dutch Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, titled "The Fortress" by artist Dries Verhoeven and curator Rieke Vos, transforms the modernist Rietveld Pavilion into a fortress-like enclosure. Inside, a rotating group of thirteen international performers will stage a series of performances throughout the Biennale, focusing on themes of geopolitical uncertainty, social disorder, and the search for stability in an unbalanced world. This marks the first time the Netherlands has used the Rietveld Pavilion for a performance-based project.

In Valcamonica il Parco archeologico di Luine ha chiuso e non si sa se e quando riaprirà: la storia

The Luine Archaeological Park in Valcamonica, Italy, closed on April 1, 2026, after the municipality of Darfo Boario Terme, led by Mayor Dario Colossi, failed to renew the management contract held by Zamenhof Art and ArchExperience. The park, which houses rock engravings dating back to the end of the Paleolithic period (about 13,000 years ago), is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique part of the Camunian park system. Weeks after the closure, the park remains in limbo with no clear reopening date, while multimedia installations and digital content created by the former managers are being removed. The story has received little media attention beyond local outlets.

"Ganesha" Art Exhibition: 2 Artists, 2 PerspectivesExploring Beauty of Faith through Cracks and Passage of Time

Inspiration Space in Bangkok presents "Ganesha," a dual-artist exhibition running from 9 May to 5 July 2026, curated by Kullaya Kassakul. The show features paintings by Piya Charoenmuang, who created thousands of Ganesha works daily during the COVID-19 lockdown (2021–2024), exploring faith, success, and imperfection through mixed media and texture. It also includes a ceramic Ganesha sculpture by Yonkwan Thanyaset (Paint), fired at high temperatures and repaired with Kintsugi, highlighting cracks as beauty. The exhibition unfolds in two phases: Piya's paintings from 9 May, with the full ceramic installation joining from 6 June.

Discover 20th‑century Paris by night in a free photo exhibition at the Roger-Viollet Gallery

The Roger-Viollet Gallery in Paris is hosting a free photography exhibition titled "Paris, Open All Night" ("Paris, ouvert la nuit") from June 11 to October 3, 2026. The show features 70 photographs taken between 1900 and 1970, capturing the city's nocturnal life—from cabarets and street vendors to neon signs and holiday celebrations.

New Austin museum exhibit tells stories of 27 festivals across Texas

The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin has opened a new exhibition called "Texas Festivals," running through September 27. The show features artifacts from 27 festivals across the state, including a gown from Fiesta San Antonio, a sand sculpture from Sandfest in Port Aransas, an art car honoring Stevie Ray Vaughan from Houston's Art Car Parade, and mascots from the Texas Onion Fest, Hogeye Festival, and Texas State Forest Festival. The exhibition is divided into three sections exploring how festivals create community, and includes a short documentary, interactive activities, and a talk with historian Dr. Michaele Thurgood Haynes on May 3.

OPEN CALL – Diriyah Art Futures: Emerging New Media Artists 2026-2027 Edition.

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has opened applications for its third Emerging New Media Artists Programme, a one-year fully supported residency running from October 2026 to October 2027. Developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the programme offers emerging artists aged 35 or under access to professional equipment, a production budget, mentorship by international digital artists, and multidisciplinary training in art, science, and technology. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2026, with a focus on applicants from the Middle East and North Africa.

Watauga Arts Council explores jazz through art in new exhibition opening May 5

The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) will present "The Art of Jazz" in its Main Gallery from May 5 through June 30, an exhibition that translates the cultural and personal influence of jazz into visual art. Featuring works by local and regional artists in 2D mediums, the show explores how sound can be expressed through color, movement, and form. A special reception will be held at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone on June 11, where pieces will be transported for the event, offering attendees a chance to meet the artists.

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is Opening a new Exhibit Next Week

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho in Pocatello is opening a new exhibition next week, as reported by local news outlet KPVI. The article provides basic details about the upcoming show, though specific artworks or artists are not named in the text.

'Fantastical' opens May 7 at Riverfront Arts Center in Stevens Point

The Riverfront Arts Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, will open a new exhibition titled 'Fantastical' on May 7, celebrating imagination and creativity. The opening reception runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and includes food, refreshments, flow arts performances, tarot readings, music, and a chance to meet the artists. The exhibition is open to all artists aged 18 and older, with submissions accepted on April 30 and May 1, and runs through June 14.

‘Regal Threads: The Majesty of Blue and Purple’ art exhibition

WCBD News 2 reports on the opening of 'Regal Threads: The Majesty of Blue and Purple,' an art exhibition exploring the historical and cultural significance of blue and purple in art and textiles. The show features works from multiple artists and highlights the symbolic use of these colors across different eras and cultures.

The Art Diary May 2026 – Revd Jonathan Evens

The article titled "The Art Diary May 2026 – Revd Jonathan Evens" appears to be a diary or column by Revd Jonathan Evens, published on Artlyst, covering art-related events, reflections, or commentary for May 2026. The specific content is not provided in the snippet, but the format suggests a curated overview of exhibitions, cultural happenings, or personal observations from the author's perspective.

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.

Celebrate art at a free community-wide event

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) is hosting Gallery Night, a free community-wide event on May 8 from 5-9 p.m., featuring over 70 venues across the greater Madison area. The event includes exhibitions, performances, artist talks, live music, and art-making demonstrations, with an afterparty at the museum's rooftop lounge from 5-10 p.m. Gallery Night has been a Madison tradition since 1988, launched by a group of volunteers.

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.

Sustainability at heart of new art exhibit in downtown Aurora

Aurora Public Art has opened a new exhibition titled "Re-Imagined: The Art of Sustainability" at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center in downtown Aurora, running through May 23. The show features works from adult artists like Jennifer Joiner, who creates art from trash collected on Lake Michigan beaches, and Ann Marie Greenberg, who repurposes household plastics and metal. It also includes submissions from students at East Aurora School District's Early Childhood Center, who used milk cartons, cereal boxes, and other recyclables. Curator Sangeeta Pande organized the open call, which drew 15 adult artists and numerous young participants, all exploring themes of environmental stewardship and creative reuse.

Families, community gather as young artists share powerful messages at Quest

On May 1, an intergenerational art exhibition opened at Quest Art School and Gallery in Ontario, Canada, featuring works by female students and older women exploring resilience, healing, and community. Organized by Colibri - Francophone Women's Centre of Simcoe County in partnership with Quest and École secondaire Le Caron, the bilingual exhibit runs through the first week of May in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Themes include identity, belonging, self-expression, and feminist history, with textile art highlighting women's historical exclusion from the art world and their use of crafts for empowerment.

Martin Artisans Guild’s Tropical Temptations Exhibition, Opening Teception and Meet the Artists Events

The Martin Artisans Guild is hosting its 'Tropical Temptations' exhibition at the Palm Room Gallery in Stuart, Florida, with an opening reception on May 6, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The event features new artwork from guild artists, a cash bar with appetizers, and an artisan boutique selling handmade jewelry, clothing, and home decor. A 'Meet the Artists' event is scheduled for June 3, and the exhibition runs through June 27, 2026.

Wild Art Exhibition to showcase local creativity at Peterborough’s Railworld Wildlife Haven

A new community-led exhibition called Wild Art Exhibition 2026 will take place at Railworld Wildlife Haven in Peterborough from May 24 to 31. Organized by Community Clickers, Peterborough Together Project, and Peterborough Embroidery Society in collaboration with the venue, the show features work from local amateur artists, photographers, and makers, all inspired by the theme of nature and wildlife. The exhibition will open with a car show on May 24, presented with support from Abandoned City Camo Crew, blending art and automotive culture.